Small Axe
We’ve had some fantastic BBC dramas this year, Noughts and Crosses, A Suitable Boy, I May Destroy You (Michaela Cole commentary coming soon) to name a few. Now we have Steve McQueen’s Small Axe collection of five - yes five films! Each film covers true - and real-life experiences of West Indian Londoners between the 1960s and 1980s. Small Axe makes refers to the proverb If you are the big tree we, are the small axe’, made popular by Bob Marley’s song of the same name. Lyrics –
“So if you are the big tree,
We are the small axe
Ready to cut you down, (well sharp)
To cut you down”…
McQueen was born and brought up in London – he was awarded a Knighthood for services to film in 2019. He’s an Academy Award, Bafta and Golden Globe winning filmmaker. In fact, McQueen’s the first Black filmmaker to win an Oscar (Best Picture) for the film 12 years a Slave.
The events and stories the series covers still resonate today - particularly against the backdrop of this year’s BLM movement. The film’s highlight the importance of continuing conversations about race and privilege - however difficult and uncomfortable.
The five films are Mangrove, Lovers Rock, Red. White and Blue, Alex Wheatle and Education. Once aired all will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and Amazon prime.
Mangrove
Mangrove is based on a true story – The Mangrove was a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill Gate owned by Frank Crichlow, the venue was a popular hub for the local West Indian community. Unfortunately, it was also popular with the local police who routinely raided the premises for no valid reason. The film follows the 1970 high profile Old Bailey trial of nine people who were accused of incitement to riot. Two of the accused Altheia Jones-Lecointe and Darcus Howe defended themselves in court, which makes events even more remarkable. This film is riveting, informative and empowering, it‘s available to watch on iPlayer and Amazon prime.
Lovers Rock
Lovers Rock is a romantic style of reggae which started out in London in the 1970s. This film follows an ordinary fictional couple at a house party. We dare you to resist the sing along! The film’s available to watch on iPlayer and Amazon prime.
Red, White and Blue
Red, White, and Blue is based on a true story. After seeing his father assaulted by two police officers Leroy Logan decides to join the police in an attempt to change racist attitudes from within. We follow Logans attempts and experiences within the Metropolitan police force. The film airs on the 29th November at 9pm on BBC1 then it’ll be available on iPlayer and Amazon prime.
Alex Wheatle
Alex Wheatle is based on the true-life story of Alex Wheatle MBE the British award-winning author. Brought up in care homes Wheatle discovers a sense of identity and community in Brixton. This film airs on the 6th December at 9pm on the BBC1 then it’ll be available on iPlayer and Amazon prime
Education
Education is about institutionalised racism in schools resulting in the unofficial segregation of black children, placing them in special needs or lower streams – practises which undoubtedly effect educational opportunities and achievements. Steve McQueen has said that a secondary school Headmaster at his former school admitted that this practice had taken place. This film airs on the 13th December at 9pm on the BBC1 then it’ll be available on iPlayer and Amazon prime.