In 2016 The British Film Institute (BFI) launched the UK’s largest ever celebration that is dedicated to the range, versatility and power of black actors. Black Star will celebrate the relationship between these screen stars and the audiences who love them and spotlighting their great performances on screen.
As part of the #BFIBlackstar event programme, one of Manchester’s most respected music venues – Gorilla – will host a truly unique evening alongside RAD Screenings on November 30th 2016.
Black Star with Norman Jay MBE will be held from 7:30pm and will feature one of the world’s most respected DJs – Norman Jay MBE – introducing a screening presented by Live Cinema UK of the iconic film – ‘Shaft’ – following a live Q&A with Dave Haslam. After the film Norman Jay MBE will take to the decks in the bar area playing a vinyl blacksploitation soundtrack.
The links between film and music during the backdrop of the civil rights movement in the US throughout the 60’s and 70’s are amongst some of the most powerful social movements in recent history. In today’s current climate there has never been a more relevant time for people to investigate and be educated in the reasons behind these movements, and the colossal importance of the part film and music played during these times and its legacy today.
Norman Jay MBE will be taking part in a Q&A with Dave Haslam where he will discuss his love for the very best in black cinema via the history of movie soundtracks.
Norman Jay MBE said: “As a lover of historic black music and film, I feel tremendously honoured to be involved in this amazing project by the ever forward thinking BFI.”
After the screening of Shaft, Norman Jay MBE will do what he does best and take to the decks within Gorilla’s bar for an intimate two-hour set featuring the very best in ‘Blacksploitation’ music. With the emphasis on funk and soul, this will include the soundtrack from the evenings feature film, ‘Shaft’, through to ‘Black Belt Jones’, ‘In the Heat of the Night’, ‘Foxy Brown’, ‘Across 110th Street’ and many more.
Gorilla will open its doors at 7:30pm, with the Q&A at 8pm followed by the film screening at around 8:40pm. Norman Jay MBE will then take to the decks from 10:30pm to close. Tickets for this unique event can be purchased via www.thisisgorilla.com – #BFIblackstar – and you can spot John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) as the ultimate suave detective in a street art mural in the Northern Quarter.
