Watershed launches Malcolm X commemoration

Black revolutionary Malcolm X was assassinated 50 years ago. The Watershed is marking this anniversary with a series of screenings, discussions and special events – including two parties. The Come the Revolution season runs from Wednesday May 6 to Sunday May 24. Here’s the programme in full:

This is the Life (Wednesday May 6)

Ava DuVernay is best known today for directing the Golden Globe-nominated Selma. But as a rapper she used the stage name MC Eve, which paved the way for her first film as director: 2008’s This is the Life – a documentary focusing on the hip hop scene that developed around the Good Life wholefood store in South Central Los Angeles. Its best-known alumni include Jurassic 5 and Freestyle Fellowship. The screening is followed by an after-party from 10pm, uniting Ujima Radio’s DJ Style and Bristol underground stalwart Awkward for a celebration of ’90s hip hop.

Nothing But a Man (Sunday May 17)

Reputedly Malcolm X’s favourite film, this truthful depiction of black life in 1960s Alabama won great acclaim on release in 1964 but then drifted into obscurity until its recent restoration. It’s the story of Duff (Ivan Dixon), a railroad section hand who is forced to confront racial prejudice and self-denial when he falls in love with Josie (Abbey Lincoln), an educated preacher’s daughter.

Looking Black: Malcolm X, Film and Me (Saturday May 23)

A panel discussion in which writer and curator Karen Alexander, commentator and author Roger Griffith, historian and writer Edson Burton, historian Madge Dresser and community activist and entrepreneur Jendayi Serwah explore Malcolm X’s legacy.

The Story of Michael X (Sunday May 24)

Modern audiences will know him as a minor character in The Bank Job, but Michael X was a fascinating figure in the history of black radicalism. Self-consciously modelling himself on Malcolm X, he was feted by the left-liberal intelligentsia (including, famously, John and Yoko) in the 1960s and was the subject of a fawning profile in The Observer. But there was rather more to this Trinidad-born hustler than met the eye, as became apparent when the cops found the bodies of two men who’d been hacked to death and buried in a shallow grave at his self-styled black empowerment commune. This BBC expose from 1972 tells his full extraordinary story. The screening will be followed by a discussion hosted by curator Ian Sergeant with John L. Williams, author of Michael X: A Life in Black and White.

Twenty Feet from Stardom (Sunday May 24)

Morgan Neville’s Oscar-winning (Best Documentary Feature) film takes an engrossing look at the work of the likes of Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Claudia Linnear, Merry Clayton and Lisa Fischer – backup singers whose voices will be known to millions, even if their names aren’t. Mostly African-American women with a background in gospel music, they lent their vocal talents to hits by the likes of Phil Spector, Sting, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. The screening will be followed by Ain’t No Stopping – a live music night in the Café/Bar from 10pm hosted by ‘Doctah’ Edson Burton in partnership with Ujima Radio. DJ Mike Ashley (Soul Freedom) and a cast of Bristol’s most talented singers, including soulstress Celestine, celebrating the songs that inspired generations. There will also be an open mic slot available.