‘Being black and gay, wasn't easy’
For this episode I was lucky to speak with filmmaker Dr Somina ‘Mena’ Fombo to discuss her latest short film ‘ SOME GIRLS HATE DRESSES’. An executive coach, experienced mentor and Diversity and Inclusion consultant delivering to clients across the USA, Europe and Asia. Winner of the first Iris Prize Documentary Film Fund and a global speaker with a brilliant TEDx Talk: ‘No you Cannot Touch My Hair’.
Some Girls Hate Dresses is a nostalgic look into the 90’s about their black British experience, which is told through the lens of queer black women.
Where to watch:
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Black Ink Cinema https://youtu.be/heP5RmhCb9E
Rachael RnR https://youtu.be/sZ-NCyw6_gY
Guest: @menafombo
Interviewer/Producer: @rachael_rnr
Editor: @blackinkcinema
Shortlisted at this year's Oscars for Uplifting Black Voices Through Documentary for
I was honoured to speak with directing duo Joe Brewster and Michéle Stephenson to discuss two of their documentaries. ‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games' and ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project', both documentaries simultaneously produce recognisable and relatable black women and girls stories. ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ leaves you feeling inspired and in awe, whereas ‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games’ wraps you in nostalgia, while also raising some interesting questions. .
‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games’ An illuminating look at the influence that hand games played by Black girls has had on the American creative landscape.
‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ A look at the life of legendary poet Nikki Giovanni as she reckons with the inevitable passing of time through a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of Giovanni’s poetry.
Available: HBO and RADA Production
Guest: Joe Brewster and Michéle Stephenson Interviewer/Producer: @rachael_rnr
Editor: @blackinkcinema
‘I want to protect them, like they need to be protected, but, nobody was here to protect me’
I had the privilege to sit down with Writer/Director Savanah Leah to discuss her debut feature film, Earth Mama. Ms Leaf, an Olympian, delivers a beautiful, elegant love letter to mothers, in this heartwarming, vulnerable film displaying her signature style.
Earth Mama is an intimate coming of age story of Gia, a pregnant single mother with two children in the foster care system. As she works to make a life for herself and her kids, she fights the system in hopes of reclaiming her family. An in-depth look at young motherhood, the system and substance abuse.
EARTH MAMA OUT: 08.12.23
Guest: @savanahleaf
Interviewer/Producer: @rachael_rnr
Editor: @blackinkcinema
‘Who decides where we are born, the life we live?’
In this episode we are joined by writing extraordinaire Kay I. Jegede, a brilliant writer also known for shorts ‘I Am Mary (2020’) and ‘The Perfect Knight (2023)’.
For this Black Ink Cinema episode we were lucky to have Kay breakdown ‘Gangs Of Lagos’ which is about ‘A group of friends who each have to navigate their own destiny, growing up on the bustling streets of Lagos. We discuss the film in full length, explore Kay’s ambitions as well as the dream actor he would love to work with.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨 https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema
Guest: @kay.jegede
Interviewer: @rachael_rnr
Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema
Producer: @a.j.horton
Location: @jimandtonicdistillery
‘In moonlight, black boys look blue.You blue, that's what I'm gon' call you. Blue’
In this episode we are graced by the talented award winning Twayna Mayne. A stand up comedian, podcaster and writer. For this episode Twayna chose the award winning ‘Moonlight’, we explore why she loves this beautiful film and why she requests people to really listen to the dialogue. Twayna was open and discussed her transracial adoption upbringing and her personal experience, the Oscars Black-lash and stranger danger!
Guest: @twaynamayne
Interviewer: @rachael_rnr
Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema
Producer: @a.j.horton
Location: @jimandtonicdistillery
https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema
‘Someone called for a Doctor!’
This episode we are graced with the multitalented Dr Michael Akadiri, for this episode Michael discusses balancing medicine and stand up. Who would play him in his biopic, his love for old school Nollywood movies and true crime.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
BIC
RNR
Guest: @michaelakadiri
Interviewer: @rachael_rnr
Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema
Producer: @a.j.horton
Location: @jimandtonicdistillery
‘MESSAGE!’
We kick off series 5 of Black Ink Cinema Podcast with US sensation @monroeMartiniii, who has appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix, NBC and Amazon Prime.
For this episode Monroe chose the iconic spoof Don’t Be A Menace, why he loves it so much and the impact it had on him growing up along with the culture. Monroe also discusses his fostered upbringing, his favourite thing about comedy, and showcases his best British accent.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @monroeMartiniii
Interviewer: @rachael_rnr
Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema
Producer: @a.j.horton
Location: @jimandtonicdistillery
‘Everyday we get to make a new choice’
In this episode we are joined by the super Kazeem Jamal, a fantastic comedian and SEN teacher. We learn how he juggles the two lives, teacher and comedian. Joining forces with fellow comedians Darran Griffiths and Michael Akadiri on their podcast, ‘Late Nights and Wet Wipes’.
For this Black Ink Cinema episode Kazeem chose ‘Farming’, a brilliant film highlighting the experience of thousands of Nigerian children who were ‘Farmed out’ out to white working class families in the UK during 1960’s-1980’s.
Guest: @kazeem.jamal
Interviewer: @rachael_rnr
Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema
Producer: @a.j.horton
Location: @jimandtonicdistillery
SPECIAL
Black Ink Cinema & L’Oreal celebrated the release of live action ‘The Little Mermaid’.
L’Oreal’s Ethnicity and multiculturalism committee sponsored the event and were gracias to supply luxury goodies and MUA’s for the event.
Our guests received the usual treatment, a complimentary Prosecco and soft drink for the kiddies, cupcakes and popcorn.
After the screening, we hosted a live podcast reaction with @thanyiamoore and @theveronarose at the bar.
🔗 https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema
BIC x
Special guests: Andrew Mensah | Lola Jagun | Simon London | Adam Horton and Rachael RnR
WAKANDA FOREVER: A beautiful tribute to our king Chadwick Boseman
To celebrate the release of BLACK PANTHER 2 we hosted a special FREE screening where we partnered up with Adobe, Thomson Reuters and Magnite to celebrate the crescendo of Black History Month.
Adobe, Thomson Reuters and Magnite sponsored this event to support Black professionals networking across all industries, from creative to tech. Black Ink Cinema along with these great sponsors wanted to mark another unprecedented moment in representation on the big screen as the kingdom of Wakanda trailblazers its way into another successful box-office run.
Our generous sponsors ensured all guests received a complimentary drink, popcorn and cupcake, while listening to our carefully selected music playlist to compliment the film. Straight after the movie we filmed reactions from our special podcast guests Andrew Mensah, Lola Jagun and Simon London. Then completed the night with a Wakanda after party.
Guests: @AndrewMensah_ @LolaJagun @SLondonuk
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
🔗 https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema
Junior Booker | Simon London | Monet Morgan | Darran Griffiths | Adam Horton
NOPE: ‘Don’t look him in the eyes!’
To celebrate the release of NOPE we hosted a ‘Jordan Peele Takeover’ at @genesiscinema we had the usual 💁🏾♀️pre-screen reception drinks and goodie bags sponsored by @jimandtonicdistillery 🍸 followed by a live performance by @smp_code. Before @nopemovie we screened the timely and wonderful film ‘Woolly Hair’ by @monetmorgs then after the Nope screening we had a live podcast recording with some of our special Blk Ink Cinema Podcast guests. @griffdarran @juniorbooker @slondonuk
🔗 https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Youtube:
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
S4 EP.6 SPACE JAM: ‘What’s up doc?’
Gbemi: “I love Steve Harvey!”
Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 6, hosts the charismatic Gbemi Oladipo who chose to celebrate the childhood favourite ‘Space Jam’. Gbemi shares with us his interesting upbringing and his journey to comedy. We discuss his favourite comedians and his biggest inspirations.
SPACE JAM, In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan. Get ready to Jam!
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @Gbemi_hi
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
S4 EP.5 BEVERLY HILLS COP: ‘Get the f%ck out of here!
Akemnji: “Can you believe he was only 22 when he did Beverly Hills Cop!”
“No one can test me on Dre or James Bond”
Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 5, hosts the multifaceted Akemnji Ndifornyen who chose to celebrate the cult classic ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. Akemnji shares his love for this classic film, no one can test him on Dre or James Bond, I tried…. Catch the hilarious Famalam on BBC IPlayer and keep an eye out for his new projects ‘Chairs’ and ‘Catherine Called Birdy’.
BEVERLY HILLS COP, Axel Foley's friend is murdered, soon after he arrives in Detroit. Axel takes upon himself to investigate but he finds himself embroiled in the criminal world of Beverly Hills.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @Akemnji
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
S4 EP4.
SOUL ‘Can’t crush a soul here, that’s what life on earth is for’
Michael: “I found it very philosophical, which I have always been interested in”
Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 4, hosts the creative talent Michael Odewale who chose to celebrate the award winning ‘Soul’. Michael shares how he relates to Joe Gardner, getting through lockdown and learning to appreciate the small things in life. Catch his amazing ‘Black Bears Matters’ show on Amazon prime filmed at the Soho Theatre.
SOUL, A jazz musician, stuck in a mediocre job, finally gets his big break. However, when a wrong step takes him to the Great Before, he tries to help an infant soul in order to return to reality.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @michaelodewalecomedy
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
S4 EP.3 PRECIOUS: ‘The other day, I cried. But you know what? Fuck that day. That's why God, or whoever, makes other days.’
Fatiha Quote: “She is something beautiful from something horribleness”
Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 3, hosts the glorious resilient Fatiha ElGhorri who chose to celebrate ‘Precious’. Fatiha speaks about the hope she took from Precious, how important stories like this are important to share and how we all should take accountability for each other. Fatiha speaks candidly about divorce and black representation on the big screen. Fatiha left me feeling inspired and in awe.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @fatiha.elghorri
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
S4 EP2.
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS: ‘You got a dream... You gotta protect it’
‘You could have left me in the What’s App group by myself, and I would have argued with myself’ - Darran
Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 2 hosts the brilliant comedian Darran Griffiths. For this episode Darran chose the heartwarming ‘The Pursuit Of Happyness’, we explore the themes in the movie, the trials and tribulations of following your dreams. This episode was filmed the day after the Will x Chris Oscar fiasco, so we got Darran’s instant thoughts on ‘The Slap’ and the pressure’s of defending your woman.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @griffdarran
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
S4 EP1.
BLACK PANTHER: ‘Wakanda Forever!’
We are kicking off series 4 of Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast with’ Britain's Got Talent 2022 WINNER’ the talented and hilarious Axel Blake. For this episode Axel chose the iconic Black Panther, why he loves it soo much and the impact it had on the culture. Axel also discusses with me his other business ventures and why it is important to have various streams of income.
🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Guest: @axelblake
Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr
Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms
Producer: @a.j.horton
Studio: @cloud.ninestudios
BOXING DAY: ‘Bruv, dem tings don’t work no more!’
Boxing Day follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America, who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée, Lisa (King), to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test as she discovers the world her fiancée has left behind.
I had a great discussion with the man of the hour, Mr Aml Ameen, from his favourite Christmas movies, the creative process and what inspired him to make the first Black British Christmas Movie.
Instagram:
@AmlAmeenBaby
@blackinkcinema
@rachael_rnr
Producer: @a.j.horton
Loved my chat with the inspiring Bobby Kasanga, after turning his life around father, community leader, author and founder of Hackney Wick FC has inspired others to follow suit. He chose the fresh Candyman which highlights themes of gentrification, police brutality and social inequality.
Jordan Peele teams up with Nia Dacosta to deliver us A "spiritual sequel" to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighbourhood where the legend began.
🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Instagram:
@bobbykasanga20
@blackinkcinema
@rachael_rnr
Producer: @a.j.horton
Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery
Had a great time speaking with the funny Joe Jacobs, rapper and stand up comedian. He celebrated black cinema by picking Oscar winning Best Picture ‘Moonlight’. He spoke about why this film is important for everyone to see, the way it was brilliantly made and the outstanding performances. While touching upon Joe's favourite rappers and comedians.
A young boy with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.
🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨
Instagram:
@jesterjacobs
@blackinkcinema
@rachael_rnr
Producer: @a.j.horton
Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery