A new impactful documentary titled The UK Is Not Innocent is seeking London venues for screenings. This film, chronicling the 40-year history of the Finsbury Park charity INQUEST, includes the last ever recorded poem by the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah. The documentary had its premiere at Hackney’s Castle Cinema, attended by Zephaniah’s family.
Benjamin Zephaniah, who passed away in December from a brain tumour, revised his poem “One Minute’s Silence” to honour the victims featured in the film. The documentary delves into a four-decade span of what it describes as “violence by the state,” covering significant cases and systemic issues across racism, mental health, policing, prisons, and mass fatalities.
Jessica Pandian of INQUEST shared that the initial screening stirred deep emotions among viewers, sparking discussions about activism and systemic change. The film aims to serve as a call to action, urging viewers to mobilize and address the issues presented.
Among the cases highlighted in the film are the shooting of Mark Duggan by police in 2011 and the death of Blair Peach during an anti-racism protest in 1979. These stories are woven together to narrate a broader tale of systemic failures and public outcry in the UK, echoing the societal impacts of cases like George Floyd’s in the United States.
The filmmakers, Richard York and Hannan Majid of Rainbow Collective expressed how the project has profoundly influenced their perspectives, both professionally and personally. They hope the documentary will inspire change and prevent future injustices.
INQUEST is actively looking for venues ranging from art galleries to community centres and schools to expand the reach of their documentary, accompanied by Q&A sessions to deepen the dialogue and engagement with the community.
For those interested in hosting a screening, contact Jessica Pandian at [email protected].
