About the Film
SYNOPSIS/REVIEWS
SYNOPSIS/REVIEWS
SYNOPSIS/REVIEWS
Beyond ‘There’s always a black issue Dear’, explores and celebrates black LGBT identities, to demarcate the huge influence that Black LGBT culture has had upon Fashion, Fine art, Dance, Music and Language, much of which has been appropriated by the cultural mainstream. The cast vividly recall daring to be different. From ballet dancing
Beyond ‘There’s always a black issue Dear’, explores and celebrates black LGBT identities, to demarcate the huge influence that Black LGBT culture has had upon Fashion, Fine art, Dance, Music and Language, much of which has been appropriated by the cultural mainstream. The cast vividly recall daring to be different. From ballet dancing school boys, to make-up wearing gender-fluid school days, their experiences shed new light on the UK in the 1970s/80s. Creating their own identities in a time when, ‘if you were black you could be either Reggae or Soul’, these are the untold stories. The film spans an era, where Soul and Disco, Punks and Blitz Kids met in underground clubs, like The Four Aces in Dalston and Crackers in Soho through to the explosion of queer culture at Taboo. Beyond captures a vital historical period. Here are the trailblazers.
BEYOND ' There's always a black issue Dear'
Be Manzini Caramel Film Club
‘Beyond: There’s Always A Black Issue Dear’ is a vibrant film depicting the often overlooked Black LGBTQI individuals who contributed in so many ways to the cultural landscape of this country. Claire Lawrie’s stripped back documentary approach allows us into the hearts and minds of the cast as we listen, laugh and are moved by the power of being witnessed'.
ABOUT
SYNOPSIS/REVIEWS
SYNOPSIS/REVIEWS
DIRECTOR,EDITOR,PRODUCER
Claire Lawrie- b.london
Claire Lawrie was a part of the club scene in London and NYC. She was a model with Z agency and performed with artists the Neo Naturists & Mathew Hawkins Ballet company, (where she met Lanah.P.) She taught herself photography & began taking photographs of those around her, later graduating wi
DIRECTOR,EDITOR,PRODUCER
Claire Lawrie- b.london
Claire Lawrie was a part of the club scene in London and NYC. She was a model with Z agency and performed with artists the Neo Naturists & Mathew Hawkins Ballet company, (where she met Lanah.P.) She taught herself photography & began taking photographs of those around her, later graduating with a 1st class BA in Photography from the London College of Communication, her graduation work was collected by the Birth Rites collection. She has won Bartur, Life Framer and Portrait of Britain awards & been featured in Photoworks Annual, the Brighton Biennial & at Claremont Arts Project in London. Her first film Beyond 'There's always a black issue Dear' is the winner of The Queer Vision Film festival & Iris Prize Best of British 2018. She works as a freelance photographer in London.
CAST
Andy Polaris – b. London
One of the original club kids. Living with Boy George, Marilyn in the Carburton street squat, he went on to the be the lead singer/songwriter of 1980’s pop band Animal Nightlife. Andy is featured in the BBC documentary film 'Save me from Suburbia' and the film 'Punk in London 77' -as well as in artist Nicola Tyson's iconic images of the time, he has featured in Vogue, GQ, ID & The Face magazine amongst others. Andy lives and works in London writing cultural reviews for his blog www.apolarisview
Frank Akinsete – b. london
AKA, FrankStylist founded the iconic Souled Out vintage store in Portobello Rd & subsequently created, with his business partner, the first ever vintage concession to be sold in a Department store for Top Shop. Frank was a commercial stylist, clients ranged from Diana Ross to Oasis, All saints , The spice girls and many others. Frank deals in vintage clothing from his influential stall in Portobello Market, as well as at vintage fairs across the country and teaches Fashion Styling at University College of the Arts. He lives in London with the love his life, Rocky, a grey Burmese cat with an attitude.
Kenny Campbell – b.London
An Internationally recognised make-up artist, Kenny creates iconic looks. Working with Italian and British Vogue,Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Interview magazine, Working with Italian and British Vogue,Harpers Bazaar, Elle and Interview magazine with photographers including, Mondino, Paulo Roversi & Juergen Teller. Clients include,Neneh Cherry, Annie Lennox, Tilda Swinton. Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Chanel, YSL & Louis Vuitton. Kenny devised the digital fashion archive KCTV, a go to resource for fashion students and institutions. The recent launch of his own make-up line 'K'. Colo(u)rs adds another string to his bow. Kenny lives in Berlin.
Kenrick Davis – b. London
Brought up in Ladbroke Grove, Kenrick has been integral to London's alternative nightclub scene. In the 1980's Kenrick worked alongside the legendary Leigh Bowery and Rachel Auburn at their store in Hyper Hyper, leading to him taking a key role at Cutler & Gross, the luxury eyewear company. Kenrick lives with his husband Tom and works for Soho house.
Velma ‘Vee’ Davis – b. Trinidad
Vee has lived in Ladbroke Grove, for over 50 years. Her knowledge of local history and her razor sharp memory mean that she has contributed to research on the Windrush era for the likes of Steve Mqueen. Her love of performance has seen her appear in commercials for Virgin and British Vogue.
Lanah.P. – b. Grimsby
Lanah.P's on going career as a performer has seen her create award winning shows, working with Andy Bell from Erasure amongst others.A career in performance has seen her appear in The Michael Clark company, sing in the backing band for The Fall, and star in the TV series, ‘The Comic Strip Presents’. Lanah.P. became famous for her role in the movie ‘Eat the Rich’ (Dir Peter Richardson) and her chart hit in 1986 ‘Pistol in my pocket’ (Stock Aitken & Waterman.) She lives and works in London.
Les Child – b. Birmingham
Les Child's career in dance and choreography has spanned 5 decades. Trained at Ballet Rambert, Les was a principal dancer in many dance companies including The Lyndsay Kemp Company and The Michael Clark Company. Les formed the House of Child in the late 1980s. His on going career as a choreographer sees him working in fashion, theatre and film. Les currently works with some of the world's top fashion photographers on campaigns for Burberry, Gucci, DVF, Alexander McQueen & Top Shop amongst others. As well as working in fashion choreographing shows and shoots, Les has choreographed shows for some of the world's most well recording artists, including, Boy George, Eartha Kitt, Erasure, Marc Almond, The Pet shop Boys and the Rolling Stones. Les Child lives and works in London.
Nicky Green – b. New York
A well known socialite on the nightclub scene in both NYC and London. Nicky worked in the 'downtown' club scene in NYC at World, Nell's, Danceteria, CBGB's, Area & various clubs and boutiques in both NYC & London. Alongside the club scene she worked as a fashion buyer for which she studied at F.I.T. working for Showroom 7 amongst others. She modelled and hosted various club nights in London & in Italy. Nicky lives part of the year in London and part in New York & is an avid collector of French antique silver. She is currently working on Ryan Murphy's TV series Pose.
Robb Scott – b. London
Musician, composer and recording artist, whose career spans three decades, Robb Scott has worked with The Waters, Jill Jones,Sandra St Victor, Daryl Hall,Gwen McCrae, Ellen Mcilwaine, Chris Whitley and Roy Ayers Band among many others. His music career is on going having just won Best R&B soul Album 2018 Bright Star music awards for his critically acclaimed new album Siren. He lives and works in London and Malaga.
Roy Brown – b. Birmingham
Model, performer, icon, Roy’s modelling career spans over three decades.
Working with photographers such as Rankin, Juergen Teller, Nick Knight, David Bailey, Tyen, Jean Baptiste Mondino and Solve Sundsbo. As a dancer he has worked with The House of Child, Donna Summer, Grace Jones, Neneh Cherry, and Frank Ocean. As a singer and songwriter, performing as ROY INC. he’s releasing new tracks with Hot Chip's Joe Goddard & Horse Meat Disco on the upcoming album. He runs S.O.S the best Soul/Funk night on London's LGBTQI+ scene & lives in London.
Winn Austin – b. Guyana
No night is complete without Winn Austin in attendance. Icon & Muse to London's creatives Winn has modelled for Pam Hogg, Vivienne Westwood, Rifat Ozbek, Thierry Mugler and Anthony Price. In an era of 'grunge chic' Winn brought the glamour back to London when she famously compered legendary nightclub, Kinky Gerlinky, founded by Michael & Gerlinde Costiff. Amongst Winn's many groundbreaking firsts she & designer Bok Goodall are collaborating on a lingerie range for transgender women, due to launch in March of 2020. Winn lives & works in London as a fashion/film stylist & consultant & teaches catwalk & attitude to the next generation of models for Models One & the Squad.
SCREENINGS
SCREENINGS
SCREENINGS
6th March Paris at A la Folie timings tbc
28th February 2020 Stonewall Housing
Queerstory screening Tickets Eventbrite
27th February 2020 Museum of London
25th February 2020 Manchester Library,Rainbow Noir & LGBT Foundation Screening Event
17th Feb New Zealand PRIDE SAMESAME but BLACK
13th Feb 2020 Winchester Art School
6th March Paris at A la Folie timings tbc
28th February 2020 Stonewall Housing
Queerstory screening Tickets Eventbrite
27th February 2020 Museum of London
25th February 2020 Manchester Library,Rainbow Noir & LGBT Foundation Screening Event
17th Feb New Zealand PRIDE SAMESAME but BLACK
13th Feb 2020 Winchester Art School
6th Feb 2020 7-11 at The Batty Mama,Monthly British Black Queer Shorts + Open Mic Night
12th Dec 2019 Happy Clitmass party tickets Eventbrite
PROVOKE 17th LGBTQ+ History & Archives Conference 7th December
Central St Martins UAL 28th Nov 2019
6pm Lecture Theatre
16th Nov 2019 Fringe! Queer Film Festival
14th November Berlin!
Bring Down the Walls at Village Berlin
https://www.facebook.com/events/502124827235792/
11th Nov 2019 Adobe networks London
Private screening Trans Awareness week.
9th November 4pm with Q&A
https://filmhubmidlands.org/q-film-weekender-returns-to-northampton-filmhouse/
13th October 2019
October black history month
10th October 2019
Private screening for the Labout party BAME & LGBTQ networks at Portcullis house
with panel Emmanuel Balogun, Lady Phyll,Glamrou, Sanah Hasan & Sarah Gregory
London
NW1 3BF
Screening 8th August with Opening doors at Age Concern Tavistock sq London
Screening 23rd August at Manchester Pride Superbia Weekend at The Refuge
THREE London PRIDE week
screenings coming up...
3rd July Rankin Studios host us at an invitation only event
4th July Vogue Fabrics Dalston host a community screening
LONDON PRIDE
Screening with BlackOut UK at the Conduit Club tickets available here
SCREENINGS BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
Beyond will be screened 16 times in May 2019;
Thu 2 May - Fri 3 May 7.45pm
Sat 4 May - Sun 5 May 4.45pm
Tue 7 May - Wed 8 May 4.45pm
Fri 10 May, Mon 13 May, Fri 17 May, Mon 20 May, Fri 24 May 12.15pm
Wed 15 May, Sun 19 May, Wed 22 May, Sun 26 May, Thu 30 May 4.45pm
at The Warren: in the venue The Bunker. (more details: https://www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk/)
https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/beyond-theres-always-black-issue-dear-film
WE GOT a 15...
The #IrisontheMove screenings are coming to;
https://www.irisprize.org/irisonthemove/bournemouth/
Watch this space for a London Screening coming soon!
SCREENINGS
SCREENINGS
SCREENINGS
November 5th -15th 2020 Cine Q
27th November 2020 2 brewers screening and Q&A
20th October Winchester Art school
5th October Scottish Queer Film Festival
6th March Paris at A la Folie timings tbc
28th February 2020 Stonewall Housing
Queerstory screening Tickets Eventbrite
27th February 2020 Museum of London
25th February 2020 Manchester Library,Rainbow Noir & LGBT Foundation Screening Event
17th Feb New Zealand PRIDE SAMESAME but BLACK
13th Feb 2020 Winchester Art School
6th Feb 2020 7-11 at The Batty Mama,Monthly British Black Queer Shorts + Open Mic Night
12th Dec 2019 Happy Clitmass party tickets Eventbrite
PROVOKE 17th LGBTQ+ History & Archives Conference 7th December
Central St Martins UAL 28th Nov 2019
6pm Lecture Theatre
16th Nov 2019 Fringe! Queer Film Festival
14th November Berlin!
Bring Down the Walls at Village Berlin
https://www.facebook.com/events/502124827235792/
11th Nov 2019 Adobe networks London
Private screening Trans Awareness week.
9th November 4pm with Q&A
https://filmhubmidlands.org/q-film-weekender-returns-to-northampton-filmhouse/
13th October 2019
October black history month
10th October 2019
Private screening for the Labout party BAME & LGBTQ networks at Portcullis house
with panel Emmanuel Balogun, Lady Phyll,Glamrou, Sanah Hasan & Sarah Gregory
London
NW1 3BF
Screening 8th August with Opening doors at Age Concern Tavistock sq London
Screening 23rd August at Manchester Pride Superbia Weekend at The Refuge
THREE London PRIDE week
screenings coming up...
3rd July Rankin Studios host us at an invitation only event
4th July Vogue Fabrics Dalston host a community screening
LONDON PRIDE
Screening with BlackOut UK at the Conduit Club tickets available here
SCREENINGS BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
Beyond will be screened 16 times in May 2019;
Thu 2 May - Fri 3 May 7.45pm
Sat 4 May - Sun 5 May 4.45pm
Tue 7 May - Wed 8 May 4.45pm
Fri 10 May, Mon 13 May, Fri 17 May, Mon 20 May, Fri 24 May 12.15pm
Wed 15 May, Sun 19 May, Wed 22 May, Sun 26 May, Thu 30 May 4.45pm
at The Warren: in the venue The Bunker. (more details: https://www.otherplacebrighton.co.uk/)
https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/beyond-theres-always-black-issue-dear-film
WE GOT a 15...
The #IrisontheMove screenings are coming to;
https://www.irisprize.org/irisonthemove/bournemouth/
Watch this space for a London Screening coming soon!