RAMZIA JAWARA
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RAMZIA JAWARA
As a Black British woman from a predominantly Muslim background, I have navigated numerous challenges regarding identity. Growing up in constantly shifting environments, I was often told how to be and what was right or wrong, leading me to realize these struggles are part of a much broader, centuries-old political issue—one I am compelled to address through my work.
This short film examines the colonization of the body, mind, and culture through media. It presents a visceral amalgamation of hyper-visual imagery and racially charged, misogynistic sound clips sourced from media outlets that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black people—aggression, violence, hyper-sexuality, and lack of control. The film embarks on a dark historical journey, exploring the enduring impact of these narratives on the Black body and the Global South, with a particular focus on the Black female experience within an oppressive, patriarchal racial framework.
This short film examines the colonization of the body, mind, and culture through media. It presents a visceral amalgamation of hyper-visual imagery and racially charged, misogynistic sound clips sourced from media outlets that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Black people—aggression, violence, hyper-sexuality, and lack of control. The film embarks on a dark historical journey, exploring the enduring impact of these narratives on the Black body and the Global South, with a particular focus on the Black female experience within an oppressive, patriarchal racial framework.
Symbolism is central to the film’s narrative. The black sheet represents the Black body, imprinted with appropriated and fetishized parts of the Black female form. In contrast, the white sheet—smeared with black grease paint—evokes blackface performers of the 1900s, symbolizing the enduring mark left on white culture by Black struggle and exploitation.
This film has received critical recognition, winning Best Experimental Film and Best Editing at the London Rocks Film Festival. It has been screened at venues such as Shoreditch Arts Club, affirming its cultural and artistic impact.
This film has received critical recognition, winning Best Experimental Film and Best Editing at the London Rocks Film Festival. It has been screened at venues such as Shoreditch Arts Club, affirming its cultural and artistic impact.