BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Black History Month season will kick off at Portsmouth Film Society (PFS)’s old home at the Eldon Building, University of Portsmouth (UoP) on Wednesday 4th October with the film “The Hate U Give” (2018; 12A) 7pm. The film’s focus on discrimination is suitable for teenagers and adapted from a young adult novel. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Student Life) Chris Chang from the University of Portsmouth, will do an introduction/opening talk.
UoP supports three film screenings in the season with students being able to watch the films for half price.
Black people have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted. Most schools still teach a history curriculum which focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. The first step in creating change is acknowledging the racial inequalities that currently exist as, sadly, there are still many challenges that Black people face in the UK. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture. Black History Month is not just about recognising the effects of racism it is also an opportunity for people to learn about and celebrate the contribution and achievements of Black people. This year’s theme of “Saluting Sisters” provides an opportunity to specifically highlight the achievements of Black women. Whether that is in their, often unsung, work in fighting for civil rights or their personal ambitions. This is why it is a great pleasure to be able to present six movies around Black History and Black women; The Hate U Give, Claudine (1974; 12A), Do the Right Thing (1989; 18), Hidden Figures (2016; PG), One Hand Don’t Clap (1991;12A) and finally Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever (2022; 12A).
Two films, Claudine and One Hand Don’t Clap, are part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour, a Watershed project, with support from the British Film Institute (BFI)awarding funds from The National Lottery and MUBI.
Portsmouth Film Society’s Director, Aysegul Epengin, commented:
“Portsmouth Film Society is so grateful for the support we received for this season and we are proud to be a diverse organisation and to mark the Black History Month season. So many people do not know what Black History Month means: it is crucial to remember important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.”
https://www.portsmouthfilmsociety.org.uk/blackhistorymonth-2023/
2023 BLACK HISTORY MONTH SEASON
Wednesday 4th October 7pm Eldon Building 1.10 Screening room (PO1 2DJ)
THE HATE U GIVE (2019) cert 12A Supported by University of Portsmouth
Starr Carter is constantly switching between two worlds — the poor, mostly black neighborhood where she lives and the wealthy, mostly white prep school that she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is soon shattered when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what’s right.
Thursday 5th October 7pm
CLAUDINE (1974) 15 Supported by Cinema Rediscovered
Oscar®-nominated performance by Diahann Carroll as a working-class mother struggling to make ends meet, offering an antidote to the testosterone driven star-turns of the blaxploitation cycle. The film has a memorable, socially conscious score by Curtis Mayfield with songs such as ‘On and On’ and ‘The Makings of You’ performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Claudine was also produced by Hannah Weinstein for the Third World Cinema Corporation, a company started by Weinstein and Ossie Davis, amongst others, to promote film roles for black actors and train black film practitioners.
Sunday 8th October 6pm
DO THE RIGHT THING (1989) 15
Salvatore “Sal” Fragione (Danny Aiello) is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin’ Out (Giancarlo Esposito), becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria’s Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin’ Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin’ Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.
Wednesday 15th October 7pm
HIDDEN FIGURES (2016) PG Supported by University of Portsmouth
A drama telling the story of the female African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA in the 1960s. While the film portrays discrimination, it does so in a historical context that educates younger viewers.
Friday 17th October 7pm
ONE HAND DON’T CLAP (1988) Cert PG Supported by Cinema Rediscovered
This film celebrates Calypso music in all its beauty featuring legends such as Calypso Rose and Lord Kitchener. The film gives us an insider’s look at the music’s presence and origins on the Caribean island of Trinidad and Tobago, where it emerged in the early 19th century.
Thursday 26th October 7pm
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (2022) cert 12
Supported by University of Portsmouth
The grieving Wakandan people defend their nation from an undersea army in this superhero action adventure. Dealing with King T’Challa’s death, it has a melancholy tone, but typical Marvel levels of fantasy violence. Free Pizza with every ticket!
ticket link: https://southseacinema.savoysystems.co.uk/SouthseaCinema.dll/
