We have often in bfm highlighted the need
for the British film and television industry to
look at itself in terms of its employment and
commissioning of black British talent. Issues
of institutional racism are always hard to
prove within an industry where decisions are
made based on personal judgements.

We can only examine the end results of these
decisions which are apparent in the numbers of
commissions, or lack of them, and the under-
representation in all areas of the television and film
industry, barring the kitchen, cleaning or security
staff.

The recent McPherson Report into the murder of
Stephen Lawrence which defined and highlighted the
active role that institutional racism played in the
absence of justice in this case, should serve as a
wake up call to those with complacent attitudes. It is
heartening to hear Roger Bolton, General Secretary
of the film union (BECTU) comments that "If Britain's
media and entertainment industry wishes to learn
from the McPherson Report, they have only one route
forward: ethnic monitoring and employment targets,
and integrated casting". Others like Trevor Phillips
have voiced deep concerns about the current lack of
progress, particularly within television. One hopes
that the Film Policy Review Committee, headed by
Lord Attenborough, and the new Film Council will
take on board the need to make the British film
industry more responsive to a wider range of writers,
directors, producers and technicians and move
beyond training needs to the nitty gritty of
employment opportunities. Surely this is the moment.

Attending a number of Black film festivals aboard one
is reminded by festival organisers and directors alike
how difficult it is for black indie films to reach UK
audiences. Whilst there are a number of Black film
festivals in Europe ,France, Italy, Belgium,
Switzerland) ironically in the UK which is seen as the
heart of black cultural expression there isn't one. In
fact there hasn't been a black international film
festival in the UK since 1982 at the Commonwealth
Institute, which incidentally was the first of its
kind.bhn is planning to fill the vacuum by organising
an International Film/Video Fest in July at the ICA. We
plan to introduce and premiere important features,
shorts, documentaries, drawn from the African world
experience to British audiences.

Finally an appeal to directors and producers: please
pay attention to production stills. Too often films are
being produced without any consideration for the
need for quality still photographs which are crucial
for publicity as well as for festivals, distribution,
screenings and general profile. If the horse has
already bolted you can grab images from your film
through the labs, which can give good results. Either
way, make sure your stills are always ready and
available.