Black and Scottish
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Black and Scottish is a documentary film directed by Stewart Kyasimire.[1] Released in 2019, the film explores the experiences of prominent black Scots across different generations, aiming to answer the question: What does it mean to be black and Scottish?[2][3]
Synopsis
[edit]The documentary features a diverse range of black Scots from different generations and backgrounds, sharing their experiences of growing up and living in Scotland.[4] Kyasimire, who grew up in Glasgow during the 1980s, was inspired to create the film to explore the identity issues his mixed-race daughter might face.[5]
Production
[edit]It was produced by Tern TV[6] and commissioned by BBC Scotland.[7]
Key Themes Identity and Belonging
Interviewees describe the dichotomy of being part of two cultures—black and Scottish—and not feeling fully accepted by either. Ncuti Gatwa, known for his role in Netflix's Sex Education, shares his experiences as a Rwandan-Scot, emphasizing the importance of self-identity.[8]
Representation
The film highlights the scarcity of black representation in Scotland. According to the 2011 Census, while 13% of Londoners identified as black, the percentage in Scotland was under 1%. Many interviewees express feeling isolated due to the lack of role models who looked like them.[9]
Generational Perspectives
Black and Scottish features interviews with individuals from different age groups, providing a comprehensive view of the black community's experiences across time.
Notable Interviewees
Ncuti Gatwa: The breakout star from "Sex Education" discusses his journey as a Rwandan-Scot and the challenges he faced growing up.[8]
The Cutkelvins: X Factor semi-finalists who share their perspectives on identity and cultural duality.[10]
Geoff Palmer OBE: Scotland's first black professor, whose achievements and insights contribute to the film's narrative.[10]
Legacy
[edit]Kyasimire dedicates Black and Scottish to his 8-year-old daughter, Yasmin, and her generation.[11] By amplifying black voices and experiences, the film aims to foster understanding, representation, and acceptance.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ "BBC Scotland - BBC Scotland - Black and Scottish — 'I thought I was the only black person in the world'". BBC. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ "Black and Scottish: 'Are you a Protestant Rasta or a Catholic Rasta?'". 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ Scougall, Murray (2022-10-23). "Something new: Film-maker Stewart Kyasimire on a big day which inspired new series of shorts". The Sunday Post. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ McMahon, Liv (December 11, 2020). "Scottish production companies Create Anything and Channel X Hopscotch selected for Channel 4's Emerging Indie Fund". The Scotsman.
- ^ "BBC - 1Xtra's Future Figures 2021". BBC. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ "Tern TV - Programme - Black and Scottish". Tern. Retrieved 2024-08-13.
- ^ Donnelly, Brian (2024-04-13). "Scottish filmmaker wins 'transformative deal' with global production giant". The Herald. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ a b "Ncuti Gatwa: The Scottish-Rwandan roots of the 14th Doctor Who". 2022-05-09. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ Dingwall, John (2019-09-29). "Sex Education star targeted in vile 'get n****r out' racist abuse at Fife school". Daily Record. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ a b "BBC Scotland - BBC Scotland - Black and Scottish — 'I thought I was the only black person in the world'". BBC. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ "Invitation to The Wedding on BBC Scotland". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
- ^ "Black Scots filmmaker battles to shield daughter from racism 'virus'". Daily Record. 2020-06-07. Retrieved 2024-08-10.