#BlackBoyJoyGone (#BBJG) is a BFI Doc Society Funded 25-minute hybrid documentary by and for black men that opens up the conversation about mental health, trauma and finding strength through brotherhood. The film blends dance, poetry and first-person storytelling and creates an intimate environment, a safe space for sharing and poses the demand on society to release men from the boundary of suffering silently.
#BlackBoyJoyGone: Realise… is about expanding the conversations. Four new commissioned black male, men and transmasc artists will premier alongside the film to tell stories of lived experiences, provoke public discussion, support collective healing, and celebrate Black men’s lives.
Bola Olagunju will introduce “Tearing Flesh”.
Randolph Matthews, who is the composer of the #BBJG music will introduce a reimagined version of the interviews, lyrics and music.
Tayo Aluko will present “Dodging Bullets” for the first time.
Chad Taylor will perform an adaptation of his piece “Closer To My Dreams”.
This project is supported by Mind, BFI Doc Society, HOME, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Red Earth Collective, and The Hull Afro Caribbean Association.
Please note this performance contains strobe lighting.
Raw and evocative, with snatches of liminal scenes, this docudrama provided a dynamic insight into black men's responses to their mental health issuesMichelle Asantewa, Way Wive Wordz
#BlackBoyJoyGone amplifies the voices of Black men who are often marginalised and underrepresented in accessing support & wellbeing services.Streatham Space Project
incredibly carefully thought through, beautifully made and performed, provocative, and sensitiveDr Bridget Escolme, Queen Mary University of London
a beautiful and moving filmDr Maria Turri, Queen Mary University of London
#BlackBoyJoyGone is so wholesome, honest, and beautifully creative. I’m flooded with gratitude for this film bringing more vulnerability into the conversations between men. Thank you for creating that wonderfully healing piece of art, you’re a bright light in this worldDavid, audience member