From the Jamaican dancehalls to Chicago’s electric blues clubs, this powerful strand, Voices of Power: Icons Who Changed Sound, celebrates landmark artists whose voices redefined music history. Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story and Roots and Blues: The Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, shine a bright spotlight on two absolute legends. Sister Nancy and Muddy Waters' rhythms, broke barriers, moved generations, and continue to echo across reggae, hip hop, rock, pop and soul. These are the untold stories behind the sounds that shaped the world.  

Films Screening:

Roots and Blues: The Muddy Waters MOJO Museum (Chandra Cooper and Nate Wyse.)

This is a documentary exploring the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield, the father of modern Chicago blues. Executive Producer and Co-Director Chandra Cooper, Muddy Waters’ great-granddaughter, highlights the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, housed in his first home, which became a gathering place for legendary musicians and will soon serve as a cultural center. Roots and Blues celebrates Muddy’s enduring influence, the city that embraced him, and the global impact of Chicago blues.  

Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story (Alison Duke)

The hit song “Bam Bam” has long held the status of an anthem in the reggae genre and is one of the most sampled vocals ever. Lesser known is the story behind the song and, even more so, the woman behind the voice. Entertaining and empowering, Sister Nancy’s story proves that great music overcomes obstacles and that staying true to oneself is the key to success, both in the music industry and in life.

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!