In London: A Powerful Tribute to Cinema’s First Black Women Visionaries
Black Debutantes pays due attention to a collection of early works from overlooked Black women and femme filmmakers.
From 1 to 29 May, London's iconic BFI is running the series of early works by Black women filmmakers, curated by London-based writer and film critic, Rógan Graham. It shows some of the first full-length features directed by Black women, including Kathleen Collin's semi-autobiographical 1982 drama, Losing Ground.
Spanning a diverse range of genres—from historical dramas to contemporary independents—the programme pays deserved attention to reputable filmmakers that have often been under-seen and under-discussed, showing both familiar works alongside UK debuts. The programme weaves together recurring themes of love, motherhood, ancestral trauma, the politics of the body, race, and the art of filmmaking.
10 April: Tickets on general sale
1 to 30 May: The festival takes place
The concept for Black Debutantes was born out of Graham’s recognition of the lack of Black Women directors with filmographies extensive enough to support a month-long retrospective. Many of the works shown were not distributed or promoted in the UK during their time of release.
“Black Debutantes uncovers a number of familiar early works by respected filmmakers alongside films new to UK audiences," says Graham in a press statement. "The latter include Jessie Maple’s Will and Zeinabu irene Davis’ Compensation. Several of the featured filmmakers, such as Cauleen Smith and Bridgett M. Davis, have only made one traditional feature throughout their careers, but their powerful voices and unique perspectives nevertheless remain as fresh and relevant as ever.”
Date and Location
BFI's Black Debutantes will take place in London, UK from 1-29 May 2025.
Price
Tickets can be purchased individually for £13.50. Concessions are available, with cheaper options through a 10-film pass. More information here.
Transport
BFI is in central London, and can easily be reached by public transport.
Accessibility
BFI considers special showings for a range of needs, including films with British Sign Language interpreters and Relaxed Cinema Screenings. More information here.
