The Colony

Dir. Philip Donnellan UK 1964, 57 mins Cert: PG*

This one-hour documentary was unusual at the time in giving recent arrivals to Birmingham from the Caribbean the chance to speak for themselves. Featuring a tapestry of candid interviews with characters including teacher Bernice Smith and signalman Stan Crooke, it caused some controversy locally after Alderman Frank Price described it as ‘a wasted hour’. Today it stands as a fascinating time-capsule from a turbulent period.

Screening with Freedom Train (Central TV, 1983), a portrait of Handsworth-based cultural activist Derrick Anderson who went on to become the head of Lambeth Council.

Presented in association with Film 21, a new community cinema for Handsworth. Refreshments included.

*Recommended

Poster design by Duncan Poulton