Black Ink Cinema Podcast

‘Being black and gay, wasn't easy’

For this episode I was lucky to speak with filmmaker Dr Somina ‘Mena’ Fombo to discuss her latest short film ‘ SOME GIRLS HATE DRESSES’. An executive coach, experienced mentor and Diversity and Inclusion consultant delivering to clients across the USA, Europe and Asia. Winner of the first Iris Prize Documentary Film Fund and a global speaker with a brilliant TEDx Talk: ‘No you Cannot Touch My Hair’. 

Some Girls Hate Dresses is a nostalgic look into the 90’s about their black British experience, which is told through the lens of queer black women.

Where to watch: 

Shortlisted at this year's Oscars for Uplifting Black Voices Through Documentary for

I was honoured to speak with directing duo Joe Brewster and Michéle Stephenson to discuss two of their documentaries. ‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games' and ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project', both documentaries simultaneously produce recognisable and relatable black women and girls stories. ‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ leaves you feeling inspired and in awe, whereas ‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games’ wraps you in nostalgia, while also raising some interesting questions. .

‘Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games’ An illuminating look at the influence that hand games played by Black girls has had on the American creative landscape. 

‘Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project’ A look at the life of legendary poet Nikki Giovanni as she reckons with the inevitable passing of time through a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of Giovanni’s poetry.

Available: HBO and RADA Production

Guest: Joe Brewster and Michéle Stephenson Interviewer/Producer: @rachael_rnr 

Editor: @blackinkcinema 

‘I want to protect them, like they need to be protected, but, nobody was here to protect me’

I had the privilege to sit down with Writer/Director Savanah Leah to discuss her debut feature film, Earth Mama. Ms Leaf, an Olympian, delivers a beautiful, elegant love letter to mothers, in this heartwarming, vulnerable film displaying her signature style.

Earth Mama is an intimate coming of age story of Gia, a pregnant single mother with two children in the foster care system. As she works to make a life for herself and her kids, she fights the system in hopes of reclaiming her family. An in-depth look at  young motherhood, the system and substance abuse. 

EARTH MAMA OUT: 08.12.23

Guest: @savanahleaf

Interviewer/Producer: @rachael_rnr 

Editor: @blackinkcinema 

‘Who decides where we are born, the life we live?’

In this episode we are joined by writing extraordinaire Kay I. Jegede, a brilliant writer also known for shorts ‘I Am Mary (2020’) and ‘The Perfect Knight (2023)’.

For this Black Ink Cinema episode we were lucky to have Kay breakdown ‘Gangs Of Lagos’ which is about ‘A group of friends who each have to navigate their own destiny, growing up on the bustling streets of Lagos. We discuss the film in full length, explore Kay’s ambitions as well as the dream actor he would love to work with.  

‘In moonlight, black boys look blue.You blue, that's what I'm gon' call you. Blue’

In this episode we are graced by the talented award winning Twayna Mayne. A stand up comedian, podcaster and writer. For this episode Twayna chose the award winning ‘Moonlight’, we explore why she loves this beautiful film and why she requests people to really listen to the dialogue. Twayna was open and discussed her transracial adoption upbringing and her personal experience, the Oscars Black-lash and stranger danger!

Guest: @twaynamayne

Interviewer: @rachael_rnr 

Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema 

Producer: @a.j.horton 

Location: @jimandtonicdistillery

‘Someone called for a Doctor!’

This episode we are graced with the multitalented Dr Michael Akadiri, for this episode Michael discusses balancing medicine and stand up. Who would play him in his biopic, his love for old school Nollywood movies and true crime.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

BIC

‘MESSAGE!’

We kick off series 5 of Black Ink Cinema Podcast with US sensation @monroeMartiniii, who has appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix, NBC and Amazon Prime. 

For this episode Monroe chose the iconic spoof Don’t Be A Menace, why he loves it so much and the impact it had on him growing up along with the culture. Monroe also discusses his fostered upbringing, his favourite thing about comedy, and showcases his best British accent.  

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @monroeMartiniii

Interviewer: @rachael_rnr 

Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema 

Producer: @a.j.horton 

Location: @jimandtonicdistillery

‘Everyday we get to make a new choice’

In this episode we are joined by the super Kazeem Jamal, a fantastic comedian and SEN teacher. We learn how he juggles the two lives, teacher and comedian. Joining forces with fellow comedians Darran Griffiths and Michael Akadiri on their podcast, ‘Late Nights and Wet Wipes’. 

For this Black Ink Cinema episode Kazeem chose ‘Farming’, a brilliant film highlighting the experience of thousands of Nigerian children who were ‘Farmed out’ out to white working class families in the UK during 1960’s-1980’s.

Guest: @kazeem.jamal 

Interviewer: @rachael_rnr 

Videographer & Editor: @blackinkcinema 

Producer: @a.j.horton 

Location: @jimandtonicdistillery

Special guests: Andrew Mensah | Lola Jagun | Simon London | Adam Horton and Rachael RnR

WAKANDA FOREVER: A beautiful tribute to our king Chadwick Boseman

To celebrate the release of BLACK PANTHER 2 we hosted a special FREE screening where we partnered up with Adobe, Thomson Reuters and Magnite to celebrate the crescendo of Black History Month.

Adobe, Thomson Reuters and Magnite sponsored this event to support Black professionals networking across all industries, from creative to tech. Black Ink Cinema along with these great sponsors wanted to mark another unprecedented moment in representation on the big screen as the kingdom of Wakanda trailblazers its way into another successful box-office run.

Our generous sponsors ensured all guests received a complimentary drink, popcorn and cupcake, while listening to our carefully selected music playlist to compliment the film. Straight after the movie we filmed reactions from our special podcast guests Andrew Mensah, Lola Jagun and Simon London. Then completed the night with a Wakanda after party.

Guests: @AndrewMensah_ @LolaJagun @SLondonuk

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Junior Booker | Simon London | Monet Morgan | Darran Griffiths | Adam Horton

NOPE:  ‘Don’t look him in the eyes!’

To celebrate the release of NOPE we hosted a ‘Jordan Peele Takeover’ at @genesiscinema we had the usual 💁🏾‍♀️pre-screen reception drinks and goodie bags sponsored by @jimandtonicdistillery 🍸 followed by a live performance by @smp_code. Before @nopemovie we screened the timely and wonderful film ‘Woolly Hair’ by @monetmorgs then after the Nope screening we had a live podcast recording with some of our special Blk Ink Cinema Podcast guests. @griffdarran @juniorbooker @slondonuk

🔗 https://linktr.ee/blackinkcinema

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Youtube:

S4 EP.6 SPACE JAM:  ‘What’s up doc?’

Gbemi: “I love Steve Harvey!”

Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 6, hosts the charismatic Gbemi Oladipo who chose to celebrate the childhood favourite ‘Space Jam’. Gbemi shares with us his interesting upbringing and his journey to comedy. We discuss his favourite comedians and  his biggest inspirations.

SPACE JAM, In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan. Get ready to Jam!

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @Gbemi_hi

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

S4 EP.5 BEVERLY HILLS COP:  ‘Get the f%ck out of here!

Akemnji: “Can you believe he was only 22 when he did Beverly Hills Cop!”

“No one can test me on Dre or James Bond”

Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 5, hosts the multifaceted Akemnji Ndifornyen who chose to celebrate the cult classic ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. Akemnji shares his love for this classic film, no one can test him on Dre or James Bond, I tried…. Catch the hilarious Famalam on BBC IPlayer and keep an eye out for his new projects ‘Chairs’ and ‘Catherine Called Birdy’.

BEVERLY HILLS COP, Axel Foley's friend is murdered, soon after he arrives in Detroit. Axel takes upon himself to investigate but he finds himself embroiled in the criminal world of Beverly Hills.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @Akemnji

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

S4 EP4.

SOUL ‘Can’t crush a soul here, that’s what life on earth is for’

Michael: “I found it very philosophical, which I have always been interested in”

Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 4, hosts the creative talent Michael Odewale who chose to celebrate the award winning ‘Soul’. Michael shares how he relates to Joe Gardner, getting through lockdown and learning to appreciate the small things in life. Catch his amazing ‘Black Bears Matters’ show on Amazon prime filmed at the Soho Theatre.

SOUL, A jazz musician, stuck in a mediocre job, finally gets his big break. However, when a wrong step takes him to the Great Before, he tries to help an infant soul in order to return to reality.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @michaelodewalecomedy

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

S4 EP.3 PRECIOUS:  ‘The other day, I cried. But you know what? Fuck that day. That's why God, or whoever, makes other days.’

Fatiha  Quote: “She is something beautiful from something horribleness”

Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 3, hosts the glorious resilient Fatiha ElGhorri who chose to celebrate ‘Precious’. Fatiha speaks about the hope she took from Precious, how important stories like this are important to share and how we all should take accountability for each other. Fatiha speaks candidly about divorce and black representation on the big screen. Fatiha left me feeling inspired and in awe.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @fatiha.elghorri

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

S4 EP2. 

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS:  ‘You got a dream... You gotta protect it’

‘You could have left me in the What’s App group by myself, and I would have argued with myself’ - Darran

Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast Episode 2 hosts the brilliant comedian Darran Griffiths. For this episode Darran chose the heartwarming ‘The Pursuit Of Happyness’, we explore the themes in the movie, the trials and tribulations of following your dreams. This episode was filmed the day after the Will x Chris Oscar fiasco, so we got Darran’s instant thoughts on ‘The Slap’ and the pressure’s of defending your woman.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @griffdarran

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

S4 EP1. 

BLACK PANTHER:  ‘Wakanda Forever!’

We are kicking off series 4 of Black Ink Cinema’s Podcast with’ Britain's Got Talent 2022 WINNER’ the talented and hilarious Axel Blake. For this episode Axel chose the iconic Black Panther, why he loves it soo much and the impact it had on the culture. Axel also discusses with me his other business ventures and why it is important to have various streams of income.

🚨Available on ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Guest: @axelblake

Interviewer: @blackinkcinema @rachael_rnr

Videographers & Edit: @forusfilms

Producer: @a.j.horton

Studio: @cloud.ninestudios

BOXING DAY:  ‘Bruv, dem tings don’t work no more!’

Boxing Day follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author living in America, who returns home to London for Christmas to introduce his American fiancée, Lisa (King), to his eccentric British-Caribbean family. Their relationship is put to the test as she discovers the world her fiancée has left behind.

I had a great discussion with the man of the hour, Mr Aml Ameen, from his favourite Christmas movies, the creative process and what inspired him to make the first Black British Christmas Movie.

Instagram:

@AmlAmeenBaby

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Loved my chat with the inspiring Bobby Kasanga, after turning his life around father, community leader, author and founder of Hackney Wick FC has inspired others to follow suit. He chose the fresh Candyman which highlights themes of gentrification, police brutality and social inequality.

Had a great time speaking with the funny Joe Jacobs, rapper and stand up comedian. He celebrated black cinema by picking Oscar winning Best Picture ‘Moonlight’. He spoke about why this film is important for everyone to see, the way it was brilliantly made and the outstanding performances. While touching upon Joe's favourite rappers and comedians.

A young boy with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and burgeoning adulthood.

🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Instagram:

@jesterjacobs

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

Gorgeous 'Secret Crush ITV' presenter Verona Rose, joined us to celebrate black cinema she chose 2006 ‘Phat Girlz’. We explored themes of the film, allowing black women to show their vulnerability and getting comfortable in our own skin.

PHAT GIRLZ, an edgy comedy about two frustrated plus-sized women struggling to find love and acceptance in a world full of "hot-bodied" babes.

🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Instagram:

@theveronarose

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

EQUALIZER, A retired operative is forced out of retirement to take up the fight against injustice once again.

This week I had the pleasure of chatting to the lovely Kyrah about her film choice ‘Equalizer’. Everything she loves about Denzel, people who blame their zodiac sign for being a crappy person and her newfound love for ‘Grey's Anatomy’.

🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Instagram:

@itskyrahgray

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

TRADING PLACES, A snobbish investor and a wily street con artist swap lives as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.

I really enjoyed my chat with the lovely Dean, charming, insightful and easy to speak about a film we both love while visiting Eddie Murphy’s filmology. The infamous gorilla scene and tackling stereotypes.

🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Instagram:

@deanomac93

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

FAISAL, newly arrived from Sudan, tries to find his way in America.

Had an insightful chat with the brilliant Ola Labib about her unique film choice ‘Faisal Goes West’, Her shocking revelation of Denzel Washington and stalking her now husband.

🚨Available on ON ALL PLATFORMS 🚨

Instagram:

@theolalabib

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

LIFE:  ‘Half the men in this prison swear they're innocent, Claude. Don't you think that's kind of funny?’

In 1932, two strangers are wrongfully convicted and develop a strong friendship in prison that lasts them through the 20th century

Had a great conversation with the straight talking Kae Kurd, dissecting ‘Life’ one of our favourites, gushing over Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence's performance. Veering of into prison reform, diversity on tv during the 90’s vs now and other cherished buddy comedies.

Instagram:

@kaekurd

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsor: @jimandtonicdistillery

GIRLS TRIP:  ‘I am strong. I am powerful. I am beautiful’

When four lifelong friends travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.

Had a laugh with the lovely Lola discussing one of our faves ‘Girls Trip’. Exploring the lack of support for women in comedy, her time at Essence fest and Tiffany Haddish grapefruit technique. 😝

Instagram:

@lolajagun

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton

Sponsored by: Jim and Tonic

THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND:  ‘I am the father of this nation’

Scottish doctor Nicholas travels to Uganda and realises that he got much more than he bargained for.

I caught up with Bamous legend Eddie Kadi. We had a great chat about his film choice and how important films like this are. We also delved into his love for Africa, travelling the continent and passing the baton onto Gen Z.

Instagram:

@comeddiekadi

@blackinkcinema

@rachael_rnr

Producer: @a.j.horton