Black Women Film Festival

[sheherazade]

On Sat the 29th of March:

 

This inspiring double bill of films followed by a panel discussion, features women who have become ‘keystones’ of our society due to their tireless lobbying and support for all communities.

 

The Sybil Phoenix Story (Loving Hands)

From the 1960's Sybil was a foster parent to hundreds of unwanted children. She fundraised and opened the first black youth club in Britain, which was burnt down by the National Front in 1977. She was a leader in the New Cross Fire campaign and the post Brixton riot negotiations. In the 1980's she set up the Marsha Phoenix trust for homeless young women. Now 82, she is the first black woman to receive an MBE and is still a tireless campaigner from her home in South London.

 

Directed by Lucia Tanmbini this touching film includes rare interviews with Sybil, family and friends who give an insight into her life and how racism had an impact on black communities during the 80s.

 

The Gerty Archimède Story

Gerty Archimède, from Guadelope, was the first black woman to become a lawyer in France (1939). She became the first deputy parliamentarian in 1946. She fought tirelessly for women and the poor.

 

This historical documentary by Mariette Monpierre will show the similarities and differences between black womens fight against racism in France and the UK.

 

bernie grant centre North London