At the end of last month, the TNB XPO 2025 took place - the fourth annual convention dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in the screen industries, held at Rich Mix in London.

The Tuesday began with a powerful keynote featuring Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London, whose address set the tone for an event grounded in empowerment, collaboration, and actionable change.

Later that morning, the spotlight turned to Film London’s FLAMIN (Film London Artists' Moving Image Network) Animations panel, which showcased new works and offered behind-the-scenes insights into the creative processes of the 2024–2025 FLAMIN Animations cohort. The session highlighted bold, experimental approaches that pushed the boundaries of conventional animation, while also underscoring the importance of supporting emerging UK-based animators from underrepresented backgrounds.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to archival storytelling with the London’s Screen Archives: Undocumented panel, hosted by Tamera Heron, Project Manager for the initiative at Film London. The conversation explored the urgent need to recover and share the often-overlooked histories of London’s Black communities and the panel explored how the Undocumented project collaborates with local communities to reclaim narratives through participatory archiving and film.

As the day wound down, Film London returned to the stage for Pitch ’N’ Mix: Pitching to Industry, a dynamic and hands-on session where emerging filmmakers presented their ideas to seasoned industry professionals, including Maggie Ellis, Film London’s Head of FLAMIN. The session provided practical insights into pitching and offered a vital opportunity for new creatives to connect with potential collaborators.

TNB XPO continued over the following three days, featuring a hybrid programme of in-person and virtual panels, roundtables, and screenings. Through its extensive involvement, Film London reaffirmed its commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and advancing inclusion across the screen sector. The day stood as a testament to the power of both institutional support and creative recognition in shaping a more equitable industry landscape.

If you attended this year’s TNB XPO or want to help shape an even stronger 2026 edition, be sure to fill out their feedback survey and contribute to making the next event even more impactful.