Inna Wi Carnival Cinema: A Curatorial Exploration of Black British Heritage
‘Inna Wi Carnival Cinema: A Curatorial Exploration of Black British Heritage,’ an immersive event held in collaboration with Cables & Cameras as part of Bristol’s St. Pauls Carnival Fringe 2023.
‘Inna Wi Carnival Cinema’ was a sold-out event that went beyond a traditional film screening, aiming to create a holistic carnival atmosphere. Thompson’s curatorial vision was to explore the vibrant history and cultural significance of Bristol’s St. Pauls Carnival, with a focus on the Windrush legacy, Caribbean and Carnival culture, and broader Black British experiences. The event featured four short films by local Black and Brown creatives:
Home Carnival Queen: Explores UK carnival culture through the lens of Black women. Dir. Somina Fombo
HATS: A poignant story about the resilience of the Windrush Generation. Dir. Michelle Pascal
Celebrate What?: A 1968 BBC documentary on the inaugural St. Pauls Carnival. Dir. Colin Thomas
Inna Wi Carnival: Reflections of a Generation: A St. Pauls Carnival production featuring local elders sharing their memories and insights. Dir. Keziah Wenham-Kenyon
Beyond the film screenings, the event included a post-screening panel discussion with Afro-Caribbean community members, a Caribbean-inspired cocktail bar, authentic food, and entertainment, fostering a truly immersive experience.
Thompson’s creative process was deeply rooted in community engagement and authentic representation, aiming to amplify the voices and histories of Black and Brown communities. His personal, three-generation connection to St. Pauls Carnival informed his curatorial approach, ensuring integrity and resonance with the represented communities. The project was a partnership with the St. Pauls Carnival Community Interest Company (CIC), aligning with their goals for community co-production and sustainable cultural development.
He prioritised oral histories and intergenerational dialogue, particularly through the screening of ‘Inna Wi Carnival: Reflections of a Generation’ followed by a facilitated Q&A with the elders.
Thompson aims to deepen relationships within his community and expand his curatorial practice to become a trusted collaborator for stakeholders exploring Black and Brown culture and heritage.
He advocates for more Black and Brown community curators in regional UK museums and galleries to ensure comprehensive representation beyond designated heritage months. His ultimate goal is to empower future generations to tell their own narratives within established institutions. He believes that investing in these cultural events is crucial for a truly multicultural Britain, ensuring that the histories and cultures of Caribbean and African diasporas are understood, celebrated, and integrated into the national narrative.
