What does it mean to belong? Rooted & Rising in Home and Heritage brings together powerful personal journeys exploring identity, ancestry, and connection. From Windrush memories and family reunions to spiritual legacies and inner-city sisterhood, these films trace the threads of heritage and legacy across generations and continents, celebrating the strength found in history, the beauty in rediscovery, and the evolving meaning of our homes.
Films Screening:
My Dad, Guyana And Me (Noella Letitia Mingo)
One woman's voyage of discovery to understand her heritage and what makes somewhere truly home.
Irpinia (Jameisha Prescod)
This is a story of black British hope from the perspective of what is known in the UK as the Windrush Generation. At the age of 24, Dudley Porteous boarded a ship called the Irpinia in search of a better life in England, the so-called mother country. Now 86 years old, Dudley reflects on his exciting journey to sea and the harsh reality that lay ahead.
It's A Family Thing (Lea Anderson)
This film introduces the 51st anniversary of an African American family reunion. Whilst unravelling the necessity and history of this deep rooted tradition, the film portrays three siblings - Max, Beryl and Antoine - separated since birth, recalling their life long journey to reunite and emphasising the importance of family connections and belonging.
Adinkra (Peter Palmer and Golda Kesse)
In modern-day England, skeptical Samira is pulled back into Karim’s life when buried family secrets resurface. As whispers of West African ancestral wisdom blur reality and myth, they must face the past, mend their fractured bond, and unlock a legacy more powerful than they imagined.
Ties (Tassia Quirino)
Delving into the lives of three black women, Ties attempts to answer essential questions: Do I feel seen? Do I feel at home? How do I feel in London? As the narrative unfolds, five threads intertwine; belonging, community, heritage, representation and sisterhood. Through intimate interviews and glimpses of diverse London neighbourhoods, each story reveals shared ties and unique journeys of each character.
Empowering through knowledge and celebration', is one of the primary tenets of Women Of The Lens Film Festival, which aims to bring heartwarming stories to film loving audiences and support the careers of black women in the film industries. Debuting in 2017, Women Of The Lens Film Festival highlights the experiences and achievements of talented filmmakers, meanwhile showcasing courageous stories from underrepresented women working in the film industry. Our 2025 programme will feature narratives that spotlights triumphs, gender representation, heritage and tradition, politics, family and relationships, healing and love and so much more. As well as all of this, our exciting programme will include panel discussions from industry professionals, where you can make your own contribution to some vibrant conversation. Not only this, we’ll be further congratulating filmmaking talent with our first, not to be missed, Awards Ceremony, to sign off what will be an inspiring festival. Grab your tickets now, we can't wait for you to join us!