Film Curation and Archives Trainees Announcement

This training will be delivered by Mosa Mpetha, of Cinema Africa at Hyde Park Picture House, and industry guests. The training programme is the first round of a selection of training opportunities, facilitated by the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive, and funded by BFI Screen Heritage Fund.

Introducing our trainees...

Esta-Rose Lamwaka Nyeko-Lacek (she/her)

Ever since studying Black British Cultural Studies at University, I have had a special interest in the diverse stories, from the struggles of race, class and coloniality, to the tender and private experiences within homes, that Black British Cinema explores.

 While in Sheffield, I co-organised a Queer/Trans/Intersex People of Colour cinema club, platforming often marginalised stories and facilitating community connection. 

Now based in Leeds, I’m eager to explore the June Givanni PanAfrican Archive, deepen my archival skills, and contribute to the legacy of self-documentation. I also hope to learn more about the practicalities of community-led film events, including licensing, curation, and audience engagement.

Natasha Fowler-Ekar (she/they)

Natasha is a nightlife promoter, DJ, and someone with a deep love for film, music, and cultural spaces. She’s spent her time in Leeds curating club nights and championing Black music & Black artists through her club night & collective, GBOSA. She has a strong interest in comedic & romantic films, being raised on Nollywood films and 2000s romantic comedies. She hopes to use this traineeship to further her curation experience, and build on her work in the cultural sectors.

Sophie Okonkwo (they/them)

My previous work includes creative producing, photography and videography. I’ve always been interested in film as a creative medium and I’m currently a projectionist here at HPPH. I’m looking forward to deepening my knowledge of cinema, and developing archival and film curation skills through the JGPACA archives. As well as developing my understanding of PanAfrican history through film and discovering PanAfrican films that are not widely known. I think the traineeship will inform my own filmmaking and documentation as well.

Omari Swanston-Jeffers (he/him/they/them)

Omari Swanston – Jeffers: is an artist, educator and director of Ol’ ManSwanny. Specialising in dance, directing and literature, dance is his first art form. Omari started his professional training at 13 with RJC Dance, studying West-African, Afro-Caribbean and Contemporary dance. His directing career began with the Leeds Playhouse in 2015. And Northern Noir, his first theatre production, premiered to sold-out audiences In January 2019. Omari holds a First Class BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Education. As an educator, he's served as a high school English teacher for five years and has led an array of creative education workshops since the age of 16. Omari’s art spans many genres from screen to stage to dance floor, from song to poetry. Nevertheless, as a published poet, the poetic form shapes everything. In 2023, Omari founded Ol’ Man Swanny, an Arts Production Company that centres the stories of Caribbean and African Diaspora peoples. Omari’s work truly has no bounds.

With regards to the JGPACA Traineeship, I’m most looking forward to training, studying with like-minded folx. I’m excited to open my creative mind to new stories that centre people like me. 

This traineeship is funded by BFI Screen Heritage Fund.

As part of our work with the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive, we've got some exciting events coming up which are open to the public. On Sat 11 Oct, from 12:00, we've got a free June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive exhibition in our Community Room and June Givanni herself will be there! And at 17:00 the June Givanni team are presenting a screening of Playing Away. You can book tickets here.