Staff Writer
African Odysseys is an ongoing series at BFI Southbank, featuring films, onstage discussions, previews and educational events by and about the people of Africa and its diaspora. The award winning HERO will be one of the main films at this month’s screening.David Somerset, BFI African Odysseys Programmer says, “BFI Southbank’s African Odysseys series offers audiences a cutting-edge film programme, one which fosters engagement with the African and African Caribbean community as well as film lovers who come to BFI Southbank. HERO is a wonderful example of how film can bring to life key historical figures and illuminate our recent, shared history.”
After the war Ulric was recruited by fellow Trinidadian George Padmore, one of the architects of Pan-Africanism, to travel to Ghana to help Kwame Nkrumah in his work to unite Africa’s emerging nations. During his 15 years in Africa, he served on Ghana’s Crown Council, was Attorney General in Cameroon for which he received two awards from the Cameroon government. Cross also worked in Tanzania and Dar Es Salaam before returning to Trinidad where he served as a High Court judge and later posted to London as Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK.
Filmed across the UK, Trinidad, Ghana, and Canada, HERO features a host of celebrated British actors including Joseph Marcell of Fresh Prince of Bel Air fame, playing the role of writer CLR James; Fraser James, of Terminator Salvation, playing the role of George Padmore and British-Nigerian actor Jimmy Akingbola, of BBC’s Holby City, playing Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah.
Following its premier at BFI Southbank, HERO will be taken across the UK as part of the 71st Windrush celebrations in June.
Media Writer
