It Takes One To Know One 

A film from local film maker Abu Zayd DeGale about the local buskers music scene in Newcastle upon Tyne and why they are doing it, with the aim to tell their stories visually and to change people’s perceptions about what busking really is, ie not begging.

Bamako 

Abderrahmane Sissako's film explores contemporary African issues through the lives of Melé a bar singer and her out of work husband Chaka - a couple on the verge of breaking up.

In the courtyard of the house they share with other families, a trial court has been set up. African civil society spokesmen have taken proceedings against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) whom they blame for Africa's woes. Amidst the pleas and the testimonies, life goes on in the courtyard. Chaka doesn't seem to be concerned by this new Africa's desire to fight for its right.

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UNSUNG SHEROES & HEROES OF AFRIKAN HERITAGE

UNSUNG celebrates the lives and achievements of sheroes and heroes of Afrikan heritage by giving context and inspiration for the work of artists and activists engaged in challenging racism today, and providing role models and skills development for young people.

The first part of the programme took place at Dynamic CIC earlier in the year. Across September, the programme culminates at Star & Shadow with an exhibition, art commissions, a talks, film screenings, a celebration and further workshops, many of which will be free and open to everyone.

With this programme, we also particularly want to involve and be accessible to refugees and asylum seekers, and people of Afrikan heritage living in the area of North East England.

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