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Enjoy three films celebrating the work of writer, poet and PhD Researcher Panya Banjoko.
These films were created to be used in writing workshops with members of Nottingham’s African-Caribbean community. The workshops were part of our Words of Wisdom project for people aged 55+. Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic meant these workshop couldn’t go ahead as planned. They are currently taking place over the phone, led by Panya on a 1-1 basis.
The poetry created in the workshops will be presented alongside photographs of participants. We will work with acclaimed photographer Vanley Burke – “the Godfather of Black British Photography” – to capture these.
Filmed and edited by Tim Chesney, two of the films showcase Panya’s poems “One of a Kind” and “The Art of Love”. The third documents her incredible contribution to the Nottingham poetry scene, her activism and the challenges she has faced as a Black poet. It focuses particularly on her role as founder of Nottingham Black Archive.
“One of a Kind” by Panya Banjoko
“They’d kept him, seven long years; hidden behind a crumpled wall in a cavernous shelter…”
A shadow puppet performance of ‘One of a Kind’ – a poem written and read by Panya Banjoko. In 2017 this poem was commended in the Writing East Midlands Aurora poetry competition.
“The Art of Love” by Panya Banjoko
A reading of the ‘The Art of Love’ by Panya Banjoko. Panya is a Nottingham-based writer, storyteller and poet.
The film features leading contemporary British artist, curator, critic and academic Keith Piper. Keith was a founder member of the ground-breaking BLK Art Group.
Rebel Writers: Panya Banjoko – A Biography
This film celebrates Panya’s incredible contribution to Nottingham’s poetry scene, as well as her contribution to the city as founder of Nottingham Black Archive. It looks at the impact her work has had locally, nationally and internationally.
About Words of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom offers people aged 55+ a chance to take part in writing and poetry workshops. Run by professional writers, the workshops take place in community venues across Nottingham.
The project is supported by Nottingham City of Literature & Nottingham City Libraries. It is funded by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation.