The people of the Windrush Generation were invited to replace labour shortages in post war Britain and to help rebuild the nation devastated by the Blitz. However, they did not receive the warm welcome that they had expected. It was a big culture shock for the new arrivals who faced colour bars, housing discrimination and outright hostility from the likes of teddy boys.
The films include rarely seen archival film footage about everyday experiences such as the challenges of securing accommodation to memorable moments like the first St Paul’s Carnival and the successful Bristol Bus Boycott campaign which ended the colour bar to employment on Bristol buses and led to creation of the first Race Relations Act in 1965.
The films even give fascinating insights into historical landmarks that are no longer with us like the legendary Bamboo Club which hosted influential bands like Bob Marley and the Wailers and the Mighty Diamonds.
The films will also be screened at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery from 22 June.
With thanks
Windrush 75: Stories Through Film is part of Bristol’s Summer of Film Takeover presented by Bristol UNESCO City of film and partners.
The premiere of award-winning, local filmmaker Clive Smith’s new film Bristol’s Afrikan-Caribbean Legends of Martial Arts will be screened at a special event at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on 22 June. By ticket only.
