Idris Elba, the multi talented actor / artist / international DJ, will be taking time out from his hectic schedule to support the BFM (black filmmaker) International Film Festival (September 7-14, 2007). The British- Born Hollywood actor, who confirmed his rising Hollywood status in Tyler Perry’s critically acclaimed US Box Office hit “Daddy’s Little Girls”, will be appearing at the film’s first UK showing at the ICA on September 7.
Elba will also be supporting Short Film Awards at the Odeon West End, Leicester Square on September 11. As always Britishhiphop.co.uk will be there bringing you the inside scoop. If you are a dedicated BHH.co.uk reader, you may remember we featured the actor in an exclusive interview last November – so you see people, we are always on top of our game!
Elba who also appeared in ”28 Days Later” has starred alongside award winning actors such as Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Hilary Swank. Elba is best known for his role as Russell 'Stringer' Bell in HBO's cult drama, The Wire.
Born in Hackney, Idris Elba started acting in secondary school and went on to secure a role in Channel 5 soap Family Affairs. He also had small parts in 'Dangerfield' and the 'Inspector Lynley Mysteries'. He moved to the United States in 1999 and is now one of the few black British actors to crack Hollywood. 'Daddy's Little Girls' pulled in over $30 million at the box office and $12 million in DVD sales and earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the BET Awards in LA earlier this year.
London filmmakers can expect healthy debate with Elba about the need to support UK grassroots filmmaking particularly from underserved Minority Ethnic filmmakers.
Idris said: "I'm delighted to return home for a cause that is close to my heart. British fans have supported my success in the US and it is important for me to give something back particularly unseen and un-nurtured talent that is in abundance in the UK”.
Priscilla Igwe, Executive Director of BFM Festival, said: "This is a really exciting time for Black British talent on both sides of the camera and I believe that BFM festival also provides an important platform for new filmmaking talent which rarely gets this exposure".
Bfm is a media group that comprises of an entertainment magazine, international film festival, film club, TV film review show and interactive website. Founded in 1998 by Menelik Shabazz, it works tirelessly to serve the BAME media sector. Its main aims are to educate audiences, showcase black talent and celebrate black culture from around the world. The Black filmmaker’s International Film Festival was established in 1999, and from its inception its aim was to promote its films at quality venues.
The Festival is an important resource all year round for International Festivals for example in Europe, Milano African Film Festival, Black Film Festival (Amsterdam), USA, African Diaspora Film Festival (NY) and Pan African Film Festival (LA). 2007 is the International Year of the Abolition of Slavery and bfm will have themed screenings, events and debates to reflect this important point in history.
For further information about the BFM International Film Festival please see:
