Last week, The New Black Film Collective hosted the 2023 edition of TNB XPO, an in-person and online hybrid conference aimed at celebrating black excellence in the screen industries.

Film London was proud to be a principle partner of the event, and had a strong presence throughout the conference. Film London's CEO Adrian Wootton OBE gave the first keynote speech on Day One of the XPO, underlining Film London’s place in the industry and how the XPO allows us to engage with peers and see what we can and should do better. Adrian also appeared on a state of the industry panel with the other keynote speakers.

Adrian underlined that "We are committed to being part of change - not stasis, but change; not doorways but pathways. Not being complacent in what we are doing to ensure our industry is healthy and representative of the people it’s creating content for.”

Following the opening keynotes, artist animators selected in the second round of Film London and Arts Council England’s FLAMIN Animations commissioning programme premiered their work. Applications for a third round of FLAMIN Animations also opened, awarding successful applicants with £3,000 funding to create a new short animation.

Part of FLAMIN (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network), FLAMIN Animations is a commissioning programme for early-career black-identifying* artist animators living in the UK. The programme comes as part of Film London’s ongoing commitment to diversity and equality.

Isabel Barfod, Laina Deene, Lamide Olusegun and Ruby Stoyle screened their new films after receiving funding, development support and bespoke mentoring during the second round of FLAMIN Animations. Also including work by Toby Cato from the inaugural commissioning year, the animation showcase is part of an ongoing partnership established in 2021 with TNB XPO. It follows on from the success of FLAMIN Animations’ previous commissions which have screened at festivals and events including the B3 Biennial of the Moving Image, Frankfurt and at London International Animation Film Festival.

Adrian commented “I’m delighted to see FLAMIN Animations continue to champion emerging black-identifying artist animators and support their visionary ideas and approaches to animation. It’s great to see the work of Isabel, Laina, Lamide, Ruby and Toby showcased at this year’s TNB XPO. Their commissioned animations demonstrate the exciting potential of next-generation creative talent in the UK, further emphasising why we must maintain our support for emerging artists creating such innovative work.”

Following this, Film London's Equal Access hosted a roundtable discussion in the afternoon, with members of the Network on hand to discuss their experiences and encourage attendees to get involved.. The panel covered a variety of experiences from Breaking the Glass Ceiling, a leadership programme for mid-level professionals, to taking on a first role in the industry as a runner.

We would like to thank all attendees of the TNB XPO 2023. More information about the XPO and the New Black Film Collective can be found here.