Global Academy’s Year 11 students concluded a month of commemorating Black History with a stellar screening of their Windrush films, bringing fresh perspectives to this historical event. The Afro Visibility Project empowered students to re-envision the Windrush story, explore careers in the film industry, and hear from prominent black females in the creative field.
In a remarkable celebration of Black History Month, Year 11 students at Global Academy recently presented their Windrush films, the culmination of an engaging and educational project known as the Afro Visibility Project. This initiative challenged students to rethink and re-imagine the story of Windrush from their unique perspectives. The creative endeavors ranged from crafting short documentaries about the individuals who arrived on the Windrush to modern-day retellings set in 2023, designing welcome packs for newcomers, and even creating social media accounts for fictional or real characters allowing them to step into the shoes of these historical figures.
The showcase took place at the Everyman Cinema, where a selection of the production work was displayed on the big screen for all to see. This event was the result of a collaboration with the Uncommon Collective, an organisation that supports ‘different faces to thrive in different places’ with a specific focus on access, careers both in front of and behind the camera, and representation.
One of the highlights of the showcase was a panel discussion featuring prominent black females in the creative industry who shared their personal stories and insights on the topic of representation. Yami Ali, the events coordinator at Everyman Cinema, rising filmmaker Tiana Banton, Creative Industry Project Manager Shelby Castelo and award-winning presenter and DJ Anna-Marie Descartes graced the event with their presence, providing invaluable perspectives on diversity and inclusion in the media world. This inspiring panel was expertly brought together by the dedicated team at Uncommon Collective.
Year 11 Media Teacher Mickella Durrant-Kirnon expressed her enthusiasm about the project, saying,
“This project has been incredibly inspiring and exciting for our students. It’s not only a creative endeavor but also an opportunity to explore and promote diversity and representation in the media industry. Our students have truly excelled in reimagining the Windrush story and have gained valuable insights into careers in film and media.”
The Windrush films created by Global Academy’s Year 11 students are a testament to the power of education, creativity, and collaboration. These young minds have breathed new life into a significant chapter of history, and their innovative approach highlights the importance of diverse storytelling in the world of media and film.
Global Academy remains committed to providing its students with opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world. The Afro Visibility Project is just one example of the innovative and impactful initiatives that Global Academy undertakes to inspire the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.
