Black Again! Fifty Years of Blaxploitation

Blaxploitation programme coming to HPPH

We are working with expert partners, including Women of the Lens, to curate a brilliant selection of films this October. We will hold discussions on topics such as the impact of the genre to film history, the role of women, and the signature fashion and music styles of this genre. We are excited that this programme and activity will be available for UK cinemas to book, so what you see here in Leeds will be shown all over the country. We are also planning to include a Blaxploitation film that reflects on how the genre translated to films on the African continent, tying into our Cinema Africa! strand. Watch this space as there is much more to be confirmed… 

So what is Blaxploitation? Ever heard of it? 

Blaxploitation films emerged in the 1970s as a genre that showcased African-American culture and tackled social issues prevalent in black communities. These movies typically featured strong, charismatic black protagonists navigating ‘urban’ environments, often involved in crime, corruption, and fighting against systemic oppression. Blending elements of action, drama, and gritty realism, Blaxploitation films celebrated black empowerment while challenging racial stereotypes. They tackled topics such as racism, poverty, drugs, and the struggle for civil rights, providing a platform for black actors, directors, and musicians to showcase their talent. Though criticised for their sometimes exploitative nature, these films played a significant role in shaping African-American cinema and cultural identity. These films were also game changers in how films use popular music and title tracks, often releasing film soundtracks prior to film release, think Isaac Hayes’ Shaft! 

If you want to dive more into the topic ahead of our programme in October 2023, I recommend watching the 2022 Netflix documentary, Is That Black Enough For You?!? by Elvis Mitchell.  

We are looking for a designer to create the poster artwork for this programme. Read the brief below to find out more if you are interested. 

There is more information to come, and we will get these films live for you to book as soon as we can – watch this space! 

Blaxploitation film season poster commission

We’ve opened a commission for an artist/designer to create an A3 poster that will be used to promote a season of Blaxploitation films in their 50th anniversary.  

The programme will be debuting at the Hyde Park Picture House during Black History Month in October and will then tour around the UK at selected cinemas from October 2023 until January 2024.

The films in the programme include:

We’re looking for a unique and original design, with no restrictions except those mentioned below.  

The design should include the title and it can be in any style or medium, but the original artwork must be A3 size.  

Alongside the films themselves and the history of Blaxploitation, the programme will have reflections on women’s role in Blaxploitation and the fashion of the genre, so we’d like you to consider this in the design. 

The design is intended to be used as the central branding for the season which will feature online as marketing for the films and as printed posters.  

The artwork may also be resized/restructured by our marketing team for social media posts and digital use during the season.  

How to apply 

To apply for this commission, please complete the online application form here.

You will be asked to write a short paragraph about your idea and how you would artistically approach the poster design. This should be no longer than 200 words.  

You will also need to supply three examples of your previous work, which can simply be a link to your website/portfolio or files attached to the form. 

The commissioned artist will receive a £200 flat fee. 

The closing date for entry is 19 July 2023. A small panel will judge the submissions and we’ll let the successful artist know by Friday 21 July 2023. 

Have fun & good luck! 

If you have any questions, please email: info@hpph.co.uk. 

- Mosa Mpetha, Creative Engagement Officer