Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask

Interviews, reconstructions and archive footage tell the story of the life and work of the highly influential anti-colonialist writer Frantz Fanon, author of 'Black Skin, White Mask' which examines the psychological effects of colonialism and racism on the colonised and 'The Wretched of the Earth', a passionate call to revolution. The film [dir: Isaac Julien, 1996, 70mins] also traces his professional life as a psychiatric doctor in Algeria during its war of independence with France.

‘The impetus for the film project was to restore to academic and artistic discourses a recognition of both the originality and contradictory nature of this major thinker. It was initially conceived as a reflection on the revival of interest in Fanon's ideas in black visual and performance arts. The black arts movement in Britain and North America had sought a more substantial basis for reflection on the black body and its representations. In development, the film's mandate became broader to include other aspects of Fanon's influence and legacy.' – Isaac Julien

The screening is presented in partnership with The New Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (NCCCS) at The Drum and will be followed by a discussion offering a unique chance to re-engage with crucial questions about race and identity. NCCCS aims to create an open and inclusive space for debate, discussion and political engagement within and between the various communities of Birmingham. It embraces the ethos of Stuart Hall’s directorship of the original Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies at the University of Birmingham and seeks to analyse the problems facing Birmingham’s communities by forging a working relationship with those very citizens.

Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU

Booking: Free, booking recommended. Please call The Drum on +44 (0)121 333 2444 to reserve your place.

Presented by Modern Languages in partnership with The Drum as part of Arts & Science Festival 2016, a week-long celebration of ideas, research and collaboration across campus. Funded by AHRC Cultural Engagement Fund, which supports valuable collaboration between universities and cultural organisations.