Film / News
New short film features Bristol women exploring the legacy and continuing relevance of African Queens
Eight women from Bristol have contributed monologues inspired by the stories of historical African queens to a new short film entitled Fix Your Crown. These arose from a lockdown series of virtual African Diaspora performance workshops initiated and organised by Bristol-based Razana Afrika CIC, whose aim is to raise awareness of African culture and history by creating new work and introducing positive role models.
Cleo Lake as Princess Yennenga
“It was such a beautiful journey to embark on,” says Christelle Pellecuer, founder of Razana Afrika and co-producer. “The participants worked extremely hard during the workshops, trusting the process and open to learning new techniques. They were times when they were stretched beyond their comfort zone, but they have learnt valuable skills that will enrich them. A huge thank you to the international collaborators for generously sharing their expertise and patiently providing guidance, feedback and support.”
Razana Afrika founder Christelle Pellecuer
“This project has been the ultimate condensed and immersive creative masterclass,” adds participant Yoma Smith. “We’ve conducted research and we’ve learnt how to express through voice, body movement and writing. We’ve resurrected ancient African queens and embodied them. It has been the most generous, nurturing and rewarding development process I have ever had the privilege to enjoy.”
is needed now More than ever
Yoma Smith as Queen Amina
Co-producer, director and facilitator Patrice Naiambana sums up the importance of the project: “If you cannot tell and own your story, you might as well be a donkey. We must matter to ourselves, our stories, aesthesis and thinking. This project exemplified the value of belonging to each other. Collaborating with these magnificent Queens of Bristol was a human flourishing experience.”
Vanessa Melody Smith as Queen Yaa Asantewaa
Fix Your Crown will be shown at The Mount Without on Friday 9 June at 6pm. This is part of a larger event entitled Active Archives + African As Future Summertide Seminary. Go here for further information and to book a place.
Main image: Antonette Clarke-Akalanne as Queen Ndate Yalla. All pix: Christelle Pellecuer
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