Activist film being shown locally.
A commemorative film about Malcolm X’s visit to Smethwick in 1965 has been nominated for an award at Black International Film Festival, under the category of Best Factual production.
One Day in Smethwick, by Steve Page, and supported by The Public, is currently being screened at the Black Country arts centre until 16 November 2013. The film collects previously unreleased footage of the activist in Smethwick, alongside current interviews with politicians, young people and members of the local community – who discuss why he came and how his influence is still evident today.
Malcolm believed parts of Smethwick to be rife with racial conflict, fuelled by local and national politicians seeking election in the area. During his visit he drank in a local pub, walked down Marshall Street and gave several interviews. Nine days later, Malcolm X was murdered in Harlem, New York City.
Artist Steve Page said, “I am so grateful to The Public for commissioning this film. I have been touched by the support The Public has shown me, and it is a great loss that it will be closing just as it is all going so well.”
A spokesperson from The Public added, “It’s absolutely fantastic that Steve’s film has been nominated for such a prestigious award. Originally produced in 2005 the film celebrates the 40thanniversary of the civil rights campaigner visit to the region.”
An early version of One Day in Smethwick was originally previewed at The Public in 2009, returning to the venue in October 2013. It will be screened until 16 November 2013.
