“If You Are the Big Tree …”
Contextualising Small Axe within Black British culture and film.
Following the screening of ‘Education’, join film programmer Grace Barber-Plentie for an illustrated talk about the culture and influences that helped shape Steve McQueen’s anthology, the often-forgotten pioneers of Black British Cinema, and her experiences of hosting weekly forums discussing the anthology within the Black British community.
Grace Barber-Plentie is a film programmer currently working on BFI London Film Festival. Her passion is films of the Black diaspora, with a particular interest in films directed by Black women, and Black queer film.
Small Axe
We regret we are unable to go ahead with the five episodes of 'Small Axe' due to complicated issues of rights of the use of the large amount of commercial recordings contained in all five films. However, we do hope to keep this 'Small Axe' talk.
Set between 1968 and 1982, these five standalone stories shown here in chronological order celebrate courage and community. From a group of activists taking on a seemingly hopeless battle against police persecution, to a teenager experiencing a blues party full of dance, danger and romance, they’re a powerful reminder of how brave individuals can spark change. ‘Small Axe’ delivers a message our divided world needs to hear: even the most marginalised voices can challenge the most powerful.
Writers: Steve McQueen, Alastair Siddons, Courttia Newland
Director: Steve McQueen
Producers: Mike Elliot, Anita Overland