Through A Different Lens film festival in Exeter -celebrating diverse talent on screen

Studio 74 at Exeter Phoenix will host Through a Different Lens Film Festival on Saturday 14th May. The event will screen two documentaries which feature the cultural contributions of Black, African and Caribbean culture and talent in film.

Through A Different Lens curator and organiser Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins shares her thoughts on running the event for the second time.

‘My love of film whether making or watching has always been a passion of mine and sharing it with other film lovers is an absolute must,’ said Jocelyn.

‘I decided I wanted to run a festival which promoted and supported Black, African and Caribbean culture in film -both on screen behind the camera. We are a small event with plans to develop and grow as the years continue.’

The event will be held for the second time at Exeter Phoenix from 6pm with a short introduction.

Claire Horrocks, digital and film programmer at the Phoenix outlines their support.

‘Exeter Phoenix is dedicated to delivering a diverse selections of film and we are passionate about sharing untold stories and independent films with our audience,’ said Claire.

‘We believe partnerships and collaboration is core to our vision and we are excited to be working with Through a Different Lens this month.’

Through a Different Lens has been able to secure a small amount of funding from Exeter Arts Council -a great step forward in supporting diversity in the city.

At this year’s event they are showing:

6pm Mavis!

Mavis! Is the first documentary on gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples and her family group, The Staple Singers.

From the freedom songs of the ’60s and hits like ‘I’ll Take You There” in the ’70s, to funked-up collaborations with Prince, Mavis has stayed true to her roots, kept her family close, and inspired millions along the way.

At 75, she’s making the most vital music of her career, winning Grammy awards, and reaching a new generation of fans. Her message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.

7.45pm Fresh Dressed

Fresh Dressed. Image Courtesy of CNN FilmsMass Appeal

Fresh Dressed is the fascinating chronicle of hip-hop, urban fashion and the hustle that brought oversized pants and graffiti-drenched jackets from the New York discount markets to high fashion’s catwalks and shopping malls all around the world.

Director Sacha Jenkins’ music-drenched history draws from a rich mix of archival materials and in-depth interviews with rappers, designers and other industry insiders, such as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.

The result is a passionate telling of how the reach for freedom of expression and a better life by a culture that refused to be squashed, would, through sheer originality and swagger, take over the mainstream.

Tickets are available in advance from Exeter Phoenix box office or on the day.

Follow Through A Different Lens on Twitter: @TDLFilmFestival and Facebook: Through A Different Lens