The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) – a UK-based network of film exhibitors, educators and programmers championing Black representation on screen – is to host a convention showcasing black film and high-end TV talent in the UK.
The convention will operate in a hybrid format, under the title TNB XPO. Its inaugural edition will take place at the Picturehouse Central in London on March 30, and will be accessible for a global audience online on March 31.
According to a statement from TNBFC, the event is the “first ever convention for Black creatives from film and HETV [high-end TV] in the UK” and “will be a gathering of Black creatives and practitioners to connect the dots, fill the gaps and solidify a supply chain for the lifecycle of Black films”.
A focus of the event will be putting the 50 Black producers graduating from the ScreenSkills Pro-Create Mentoring Programme in front of industry leaders. The year-long programme launched in 2021 in partnership with S.O.U.L Fest to tackle the under-representation of Black producers in film production, supported using National Lottery funds through the BFI.
There will be a full day of keynote speeches, screenings, exhibition stands, pitching by the ScreenSkills mentees, networking and recruitment opportunities for Black creatives. Entry is free, with backers including the BFI, ScreenSkills, Film London and the Independent Film Trust.
Priscilla Igwe, managing director of TNBFC said: “There is a great deal of Black British talent in this country. We can’t wait to be accepted, included or recognised. We have to step into the spotlight and invite those who are interested to see what we can do.
“As an influential community with a rich culture that is popular throughout the world, we must create and own our content within the creative industries. I came up with TNB XPO as a brand new space to achieve just that.”
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