The REcreative Film School is a free, radical film course that takes place annually at the South London Gallery. Since 2015 the school has worked with close to 100 young people from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the film industry.
It focuses on non-conventional forms of filmmaking and storytelling, and aims to develop young people’s individual creative practices through workshops, screenings and talks by invited guests. The school is committed to influencing long-term change in the film and art world by supporting marginalised voices.
Below is a statement written by REcreative Film School participants in response to the killing of George Floyd in the US and in solidarity with the ongoing struggle against racism.
STATEMENT
BLACK LIVES MATTER! Black lives have been brutalised at the hands of institutionalised racism since the beginnings of colonialism. We stand by Black Americans and those who are part of the African Diaspora who are fighting for their lives and the global recognition of their right to live. Say their names: David McAtee, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade. BLACK LIVES MATTER. Here in the UK: Sarah Reed, Rashan Charles, Mark Duggan, Daniel Adewole, and the many other precious lives that have been lost to the impunity of police violence. BLACK LIVES MATTER. We stand in solidarity with Belly Mujinga and the Black communities disproportionately endangered by Covid-19. BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Demands
We demand the immediate suspension of UK sales of tear gas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the US.
We demand that the UK Government and local MPs condemn Trump’s use of force against his own citizens.
We demand a response from the UK government to the BAME Covid-19 report detailing how it will immediately work to tackle the disproportionate death rate.
We demand systemic and institutional reform of policing in the UK to end deaths in custody, aggressive stop and search powers, targeted harassment and police brutality.
You can support these demands by writing a letter to your local MP. This Google Doc by Perkin Amalaraj can be used as a template.
Bail funds in America to donate to
Louisville bail fund to support the community protesting the death of Breonna Taylor
LGBTQ Freedom Fund in Florida in memory of Tony McDade
Anti-racist groups to follow and support in the UK
United Families & Friends Campaign
The Northern Police Monitoring Project
London Campaign Against Police and State Violence
The Institute of Race Relations
Community Action on Prison Expansion
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