- Films and events
- Create
- Blknws: Terms & Conditions
Blknws: Terms & Conditions
Fulfilling the promise of his short films and music videos, Kahlil Joseph’s feature debut is an era- and genre-spanning history of the Black diaspora.
Screening dates and booking
Credits
-
Director
Kahlil Joseph
-
Screenwriters
Kahlil Joseph, Onye Anyanwu, Saidiya Hartman, Kristen Adele Calhoun, Irvin Hunt, Christina Sharpe, Madebo Fatunde
-
With
Shaunette Renée Wilson, Hope Giselle, Zora Casebere
-
USA 2025. 113min
-
Courtesy of
Rich Spirit
-
Language
English
Introduction
Using both W.E.B. DuBois’ Encyclopedia Africana (the scholar’s chronicle of African-American life) and Joseph’s own family history as jumping off points, BLKNWS defies any easy classification. In some scenes, the film is essayistic, employing clips and memes as a history lesson. In others, it’s Afrofuturist, following a speculative Biennale cruise. Joseph’s unique voice and filmmaking style make this an utterly compelling watch.
Grace Barber-Plentie
How to book
Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.
If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).
Our programmers recommend...
Black is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story
A touching tribute to a forgotten photographer, freedom fighter and activist, who helped popularise the transformative ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement.
Seeds
Sundance Film Festival’s documentary Grand Jury Prize winner is an empathetic and soulful debut that vividly captures a community of Black farming families in the American South.
John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office
This superbly crafted documentary on utopian neuroscientist John C. Lilly is a fascinating tale of paranoia, obsession and discovery.
Become a Member
Get early booking access and enjoy year-round benefits with BFI Membership.
Join today
Festival brochure
Download our digital BFI London Film Festival 2025 brochure, compatible with most screen readers.
Download brochure