Unbound: Women, Power & Possession is an unflinching strand that dives deep into the lives of women reclaiming control over their bodies, stories, and futures. From breaking spiritual dogmas and societal shame, to surviving motherhood on the edge, and confronting the politics of sex across continents, these films spotlight raw, resilient journeys of women reclaiming their bodies and identities in a world that often demands silence.

Films Screening:

Oath Bound (Ola Laniyan)

Four years after being tricked, sold and mentally entrapped into the Nigerian sex slave industry, Nneka decides she has had enough. Today, she breaks the Oath with the African Gods.

Skettel Moon (Lee Ferguson)

A young mother struggles to keep her head above water as she navigates motherhood, her neurodivergent toddler, and the gritty Atlanta nightclub where she works. All on a quarter tank of gas.

Black Women And Sex (Godisamang Khunou)

This film explores the tension between black women and the politics of sex, through the sexual realities of three unique women - a South African trans woman, a Nigerian woman raised in a Polygamous home and a Zambian woman jailed for a sex tape. Their stories examine how patriarchy impacts women and how self love and the owning of one's sexuality can fight against limiting and constraining views, on a personal and political level.  

Trigger Warning: Scenes of a sexual nature, some simulated genital exposure, some scenes of simulated abuse.

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!