AXÉ Short Films

Through their craft, Black Queer Artists have crafted a mosaic of diverse perspectives, stories, and modes of expression, replaying, archiving, and validating not only their existence but all that can be found beauty in it. This event aims to to pay tribute to their presence and perseverance, to revel in the power of queer black creativity. 

AXÉ will include introductions and live performances from Mayra Xavier Son of a Tutu, David Amado, and Maureen Onwunali.

Permissible Beauty 

Exploring the evolution of beauty standards in British history, this film delves into why certain forms of beauty have been privileged over others. With a focus on Black Queer visibility, it offers fresh perspectives through the stories of six Black Queer Britons, offering up a new chapter of British beauty for the 21st century. 

Mark Thomas/ UK/ 2023/ 23m 

Writer: David McAlmont 

Producer: Richard P. Sandell 

True Colors 

Examining queer Black men’s relationship to traditional masculinity and how societal expectations pressure them to conform and silence their true selves. Through four acts of fashion, each act symbolises a stage from repression to bold authenticity. 

David J. Amado/ Portugal/ 2023/ 6m 

Writers: David J. Amado, Igor Silva, Felicia Hunter 

Producer: Amelia Carter 

The Archive: Queer Nigerians 

With Nigerian queer history erased from the national narrative of Nigeria, queer Nigerians in the UK gather to tell their stories, documenting their experiences so they can never be erased again. 

Simisolaoluwa Akande/ UK/ 2023/ 25m 

Writer: Simisolaoluwa Akande 

Producer: Maxine Gordon 

Obsidian Black 

Osaro’s sonorous vocals turn into choir-like prayers as they erupt softly from where they lie in her stomach. The hypnotic energy of the music matches with the stunning visuals of yellow gorse fields atop Killiney Hill where certain folkloric characters lay dormant. 

Osaro Azams/ Ireland/ 2022/ 21m 

Producer: Osaro Azams