Small Axe is an ‘anthology’ of five films released in the UK on prime-time television and in a series of cinema presentations affected by the COVID pandemic.

Together the films represent an unprecedented feat of storytelling about London’s West Indian community, mostly during the 1970s and early 1980s. These are in various ways ‘personal stories’ researched by McQueen and inspired by family friends and acquaintances.

Our event will focus on two of the shorter films, Lovers Rock and Education. If possible, you should try to see all five films but sufficient background will be provided if you are unable to do so.

We will explore McQueen’s stated aims and the approaches he adopts to tell the stories as well as the cinematic techniques he uses and the collaborations he makes.

Steve McQueen has achieved a unique standing as both an artist on film and now as a filmmaker of mainstream narratives. How do we understand that status in relation to Black British film and British cinema more generally?

All five Small Axe films are currently available on BBC iPlayer (and will be for several months).

Background notes and a short presentation will be available before the Zoom Event on Saturday 27 February at 2 pm.

Please Note: This event is based in the UK and as a result, BBC iPlayer may not be available to those outside of the UK.

The ticket price is to cover the cost of the resources provided by us and has nothing to do with access to the film itself.

If you are able to watch the films on a different streaming service then you are more than welcome to join us for the discussion.