Community demands film for British schools and libraries

By Ligali Media Network | Sun 1 May 2005

There was a united call from the African British community for the film 500 Years Later to be shown in schools and made available through local libraries.


The films sold out UK premiere was organised by the bfm film club who held the screening with a directors question and answer session at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA).

Filmed in five continents, and over twenty countries, 500 Years Later engages the authentic and authorative voice of global African people on issues such as crime, drugs, education, identity, poverty and the legacy of socio-economic inequality wrought by the colonisation, enslavement and global displacement of African people.

The directorial debut of Owen ‘Alik Shahadah the ground breaking film featured contributions from Dr Frances Cress Welsing, Dr Molefi Asante, Maulana Karenga, Paul Robeson Jr, Dr Hakim Adi and Kimani Nehusi from an uncompromising Africentric perspective.

500 Years Later


Best Documentary,Pan-African Film Festival 2005

The film which was turned down by television broadcaster Channel 4 was heralded as a success in addressing some of the issues the Eurocentric mainstream media fails to address without racial bias. Activists, parents, children and educationalists all called for the film to be made a permanently available resource in schools and local libraries for all British people.

500 years later is winner of the Best Documentary Award, Pan-African Film Festival 2005 in Los Angeles.

Director: Owen ‘Alik Shahadah


External Links
500 Years Later - Website
bfm - Website
Pan African Film and Arts Festival


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