Film London Lodestar 2025: Etienne Joseph – Hackney Archives
Film London Lodestars 2025Screen Heritage
Etienne entered archives 15 years ago, supporting a London-based African-Caribbean Dance organisation with their collections. This led him to formal archival training, and eventually a doctoral research project exploring the idea of the living archive. He has since co-founded the Decolonising the Archive initiative in an effort to develop theory, practice, and training around what archives can mean for people of African heritage living in the UK. Joining Hackney Archives in 2017, his work there has been characterised by a person-centred approach with a focus on supporting the visibility and accessibility of community heritage not usually found in institutional collections.
Relationship to Film London
LSA Member, Partner on 'Undocumented' and Heritage 2022
Dr. Etienne Joseph has been a key critical friend for LSA. Going beyond his role at Hackney Archives, he has supported and advised on building community relationships, while sharing his expertise on decolonisation in the archives and inclusive, equitable collecting. He has played an instrumental part in London’s Screen Archives’ Undocumented project, speaking on panels and delivering talks to the Hackney community. His ability to build trust and engagement with the local community is demonstrated by his recent work with the Sir Collins Collection, an amateur videotape collection from Charles Collins, the late founder of the Four Aces Nightclub.Laura Kloss, London Screen Archive Manager