Antilles

Letitia Wright's career began with guest appearances on British TV shows like TOY BOY and DOCTOR WHO Her breakout role came in the 2015 film URBAN HYMNS earning her a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)recognition. She also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for her performance in the critically acclaimed BLACK MIRROR. Wright was propelled to global fame for performance as the intelligent and tech-savvy Shuri, T’Challa’s (Black Panther) sister, in Ryan Coogler’s BLACK PANTHER. The role garnered critical acclaim and awards, including a BAFTA Rising Star Award. Wright's success continued with her role as Altheia Jones in Steve McQueen's SMALL AXE anthology series (2020), episode 1 (MANGROVE). Her portrayal of a Black Panther Party leader further solidified her talent. In 2023, the University of Guyana honored her with an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters. Letitia Wright's journey is far from over, with a promising future ahead. (Generated by Google Gemini). MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn.

Naomie Harris's breakthrough film role came in 2002 with Danny Boyle's "28 Days Later," a critically-acclaimed zombie movie. Since then, she has built a diverse filmography that includes notable projects like: * The "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequels (2006, 2007) as Tia Dalma * "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" (2013) portraying Winnie Mandela * The recent superhero film "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" (2021) Harris's talent has been recognized by the industry, garnering her an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2017 and nominations for prestigious awards like an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. (Google Gemini) MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

The third and last chapter for this season.

Lorraine Toussaint landed her first professional acting job on graduation day, from the Juilliard School's drama school in 1982, as Lady Macbeth. She went on to a successful stage career in New York for over a decade. Toussaint transitioned to film and television roles in Los Angeles, to take on supporting parts in films like "Breaking In" and "Dangerous Minds". She eventually gained acclaim for her lead role in the TV series "Any Day Now". Lorraine also had recurring roles in popular shows like "Law & Order" and "Crossing Jordan". In recent years she become known for her roles in the series "Orange Is the New Black", "The OA" and “The Equalizer”. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

Raoul Peck's filmography is a blend of documentaries and feature films that tackle historical, political, and social issues. He uses historical figures and personal narratives to illuminate broader societal problems. Some of his notable works include: I Am Not Your Negro (2016): This acclaimed documentary explores race in America through the writings of James Baldwin, earning an Oscar nomination. Lumumba (2000): A biopic on Patrice Lumumba, the Congo's first democratically elected leader, sheds light on colonialism's legacy. Exterminate All the Brutes (2021): This HBO miniseries delves into the devastating impact of colonialism across the globe. Peck's commitment extends beyond filmmaking. He served as Haiti's Minister of Culture for a brief period in the 1990s. He founded the Foundation Forum Eldorado to promote cultural development in Haiti. (Generated by Google Gemini). MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn.

Raoul Peck, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1953, is a multifaceted artist who has carved a unique path in the world of cinema. Here's a deeper dive into his life and accomplishments. Peck's upbringing was shaped by his family's flight from the Duvalier dictatorship in Haiti. This led to a nomadic childhood, living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire), the United States, France, and Germany. This exposure to diverse cultures informs his filmmaking, allowing him to explore themes with a global perspective. Peck initially pursued studies in economics and engineering, but a shift led him to the prestigious German Film and Television Academy Berlin. This shift proved pivotal, sparking his filmmaking career. (Generated by Google Gemini AI). MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

Delroy Lindo is a British-American actor known for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. He was born on November 18, 1952, in Lewisham, London, England. Lindo has appeared in numerous acclaimed movies such as "Malcolm X," "Crooklyn," "Clockers," "Ransom," and "The Cider House Rules." He's also known for his work in television, including the series "The Good Fight" and "The Chicago Code." Lindo's powerful presence and skillful acting have earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations throughout his career. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

In the next four episodes we will feature three of the many Progenies that made, make an invaluable contribution to world cinema. Please join us for our discussions on the works of Delroy Lindo, Raoul Peck and Lorraine Toussaint.

Sir Horace Ové was a towering figure in British film, photography, and art. Born in Trinidad, he arrived in London to pursue his artistic passions.  Fueled by a love of cinema sparked in his youth, Ové became a leading Black British filmmaker in the post-war era.  Ové's impactful career was marked by several "firsts." He was the first Black British filmmaker to direct a feature-length film, Pressure (1976). This groundbreaking movie explored the experiences of Black immigrants in Britain.  His documentaries, like Reggae (1971) offered a unique perspective on Black culture and became influential models for future filmmakers.   Mr. Ové wasn't limited to documentaries. He also created fictional films that blurred the lines between documentary and drama, used photography to capture the Black Power movement in Britain and produced television shows.  His work consistently addressed themes of racism, immigration, and the Black experience in Britain.  He didn't shy away from controversy, using his art to challenge the status quo.  Ové's dedication to his craft earned him respect and recognition. He received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and was knighted in 2022 for his contributions to media. Sir Horace Ové's legacy lives on through his powerful films, photographs, and unwavering commitment to portraying the Black experience in Britain. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

Harry Belafonte, though primarily known for his musical achievements, also had a notable career in film. Belafonte made his film debut in 1953 with "Bright Road," playing a school principal. The following year, he had a starring role (though he did not sing) in the musical "Carmen Jones." This film was a big success and led to more prominent roles for Belafonte. In 1957, he co-starred with Dorothy Dandridge in "Island in the Sun," a film that explored themes of race relations in the Caribbean. Dissatisfied with the stereotypical roles often offered to Black actors at the time, Belafonte became more selective about his film projects in the 1960s. Mr. Belafonte's film career was not as extensive as his music career, but he did make a significant impact with the roles he chose. He helped to pave the way for greater opportunities for Black actors in Hollywood. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

In 1967, Sidney Poitier was at the height of his career and continued to make significant contributions to American cinema. One of the notable films he starred in during that year was "In the Heat of the Night," which was a critical and commercial success. Poitier's portrayal of Virgil Tibbs, a black police detective facing racial prejudice in a Southern town, earned him praise and recognition. Throughout 1967, Sidney Poitier's performances continued to challenge racial stereotypes and advocate for equality in the film industry. His work in cinema during this period showcased his talent and commitment to portraying complex and impactful characters. The cold opening audio clip of Sidney Poitier was taken from the archives of the Academy Of Achievement, and episode 18 of Alice Winkler’s WHAT IT TAKES, an Academy of Achievement podcast. The other clip was taken from an American Film Institute interview. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

Mr. Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and author. He was the first African-American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in the 1963 film "Lilies of the Field". Poitier is known for his roles in groundbreaking films that addressed issues of race and social justice. He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and used his platform to advocate for equality and representation in Hollywood. In addition to his acting career, Poitier also directed several films, including "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner". He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for his contributions to American culture. Sidney Poitier's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of actors and filmmakers. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

CicelyTyson was a pioneering American actress born in 1924. Her career spanned over seven decades, earning her acclaim for roles in theater, film, and television. Tyson received various awards, including an Academy Honorary Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Known for her powerful performances, she broke barriers for African-American actresses and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and trailblazing contributions to the arts. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

This first season of ANTILLES will be a ten episode experiment, focused exclusively on accomplishments in film. The episodes are divided into three parts: FORERUNNERS, PROGENIES, NEW RUNNERS. For the first five episodes we will be talking about the FORERUNNERS. MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn

THEME MUSIC COMPOSED BY: Edzer Angerville and Marcus Pinn