Xiaohongshu
The UCL x The New Black Film Collective student-led celebration:
Black talent, Shared Networks, and Equitable Futures in Film
On 21 January, students, emerging filmmakers and industry professionals came together at UCL East for Creative Connections, the opening student-organised event of PictureEast Film Festival 2026.
The event was co-delivered with The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) and organised by UCL East BA Media students. It brought students together across year groups to spotlight Black talent, centre underrepresented voices and create more accessible routes into film careers.
Students joined from eight universities across London and the South East, including the University of Kent, UCL, Queen Mary, SOAS, Kingston, King’s College London, the University of West London and the University of East London. It brought together people who might not usually share the same space, giving everyone the chance to connect, swap ideas and build relationships beyond their own campus.
Harrison Nan, student production team lead said: “The participation reflected a strong appetite for cross-institutional connection across London and highlighting the importance of creating shared spaces that extend beyond a single institution”.
In an industry where who you know can shape what opportunities you see, creating spaces like this really matters. It helps students build confidence, expand their networks and feel part of something bigger.
As Kimberley Dickson-Asiedu, student production team lead said: "Our aim was to create a space that centred Black filmmakers and underrepresented. Somewhere young filmmakers could look ahead at the industry and their future in a way that felt affirming and welcoming. PictureEast: Creative Connections was about confidence, visibility and reasserting that young filmmaker's stories deserve space and attention”
The evening began with short films from emerging filmmakers Dinah Naitamu and Arya Patel, showcasing work shaped by personal stories and different lived experiences.
This was followed by a panel featuring BAFTA-winning writer and director Akinola Davies Jr and Oscar-winning writer and director James Lucas, alongside early-career creatives. The discussion covered getting started in the industry, backing yourself, sustaining creative work and being honest about the structural barriers that still exist for Black and underrepresented filmmakers.
Another student production team lead, Loveth Agule, also highlighted the importance of representation and community: “What stood out most was being in a room where Black filmmakers and diverse creatives were the focus, not the exception. The conversations felt honest, supportive, and grounded in shared experience.”
The evening concluded with an informal networking session and an interactive aspirations pin board, encouraging students to connect with peers and industry guests while reflecting on their own creative goals.
Reflecting on the partnership, Priscilla Igwe from The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) commented: “At TNBFC, we’re committed to creating space, access, and visibility for Black talent. PictureEast: Creative Connections demonstrates what’s possible when students lead, underrepresented voices are centred, and industry engagement is rooted in equity rather than tokenism.”
Building on this momentum, the next student-organised Creative Connections activity will take place as a Junior Lion’s Den, delivered as part of TNB XPO, a five-day hybrid programme showcasing Black excellence and promoting diversity across the screen and creative industries. The workshop will run on 25th March and will offer further opportunities for students to develop skills, connect with industry and continue building creative pathways.
For more information about this activity and future events, contact Anne Preston at [email protected] and follow the student Creative Connections team on Instagram: @nextgenfilmsocial.
Creative Connections, alongside two future events, is funded by the UCL Student Success Fund, which supports the academic success, retention and continuation of underrepresented UK-domiciled undergraduate students.