The Nello James Centre was established during the 1970s by members of Manchester’s Caribbean community and named after celebrated Trinidadian activist and author Cyril Lionel Robert James, known by many as C. L. R or Nello James.

This 40-minute historical documentary, co-produced by members of the Nello James Centre with help from local filmmakers Roy Newton, Martin Lightening and John Crumpton, highlights an important chapter of Manchester's Black community activism, documenting the development of the Centre into an invaluable community resource.

After the film was completed in 1983, the only print was thought to be lost. That is until one of the original filmmakers discovered a copy of the film in 2023. The filmmakers have spent over a year restoring the film, digitised by the North West Film Archive and updated to include more recent footage - it is now ready to be seen again.

“This film chronicles the work and commitment of a group of like-minded people in attempting to address some of the prevailing issues the Black community were experiencing.”

Julian Sharpe (JR), one of the original members of the Nello James Centre and narrator of the film.

Introduced by award-winning filmmaker, producer and broadcaster Karen Gabay, and the original filmmakers, The Nello James Centre film will premiere at Contact on Thursday 24 April 2025.

The screening will also feature an extended extract of the 1982 documentary ‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ by Anthony Wall, courtesy of BBC Arena. It shows an exchange between C. L. R. James, and legendary dub poets Michael Smith and Linton Kwesi Johnson.

The presentation will have live British Sign Language interpretation [BSL] and descriptive subtitles [DS].

This screening is not affiliated with any third-party groups or organisations. The North West Film Archive is committed to increasing access to archival material, with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

Film-makers: Martin Lightening, Roy Newton and John Crumpton.

Presenter: Karen Gabay: https://www.karengabay.co.uk/

‘Upon Westminster Bridge’ is courtesy of BBC Arena