Mangrove focuses on the trials and tribulations of Mangrove 9, a group of Black activists who clashed with London police during a protest march in 1970. Its cast includes Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes, and Malachi Kirby, and it’s the first chapter of McQueen’s Small Axe anthology series.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker previously opened the London Film Festival with his last feature film Widows, and he said that now’s the perfect time for him to return to this festival with another project. “I couldn’t be happier that Mangrove will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival. Although the themes are universal, Mangrove is a London story. It may have happened fifty years ago, but it’s as relevant today as it was then,” said McQueen in a statement.

The London Film Festival will take place between October 7–18, and it’s expected to feature a mix of physical and online programs.

The post Steve McQueen’s “Mangrove” to Open London Film Festival appeared first on EverydayKoala.

Sam Mendes, the director who is likely to receive an Academy Award nomination for his newest film, 1917, is heading into the new year with a new title. 

Mendes has been announced as part of the Queen’s Honours list, meaning he will enter Buckingham Palace as a commoner, but leave as a Knight! The prestigious tribute is for the 54-year-old’s service to drama throughout his 26-year career that has spurned an Oscar Award for directing American Beauty. 

Mendes is not the only Hollywood star being honored by Queen Elizabeth II at the beginning of January. 

Steve McQueen, who scooped up the Best Director prize at the 2014 Academy Awards for his feature, 12 Years a Slave, is also being recognized for his services to film. Although raised in Australia, English-born Olivia Newton-John is set to become a Dame, not only because of her contribution to the entertainment industry, but also for her services to charity and cancer research. Despite already being made a Knight in 1998, Sir Elton John has been appointed as Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and charity. 

The Queen conducts her Honours List twice a year — at New Years and for her birthday in June. 

The post Here’s Who is Being Honored by the Queen on New Years appeared first on EverydayKoala.

This intriguing project will take us back to the ‘60s London and trace the struggles of the West Indian community in this city all the way through the ‘80s. McQueen felt this is an important story to tell, and he’s looking forward to reliving, reevaluating and investigating the lives of people who inspired it.

“I think audiences will identify with the trials, tribulations and joy of our characters as well as reflecting on the present environment in which we find ourselves. The dynamic nature of the series allows us to confront injustice in the face of adversity,” said the 12 Years a Slave director in a statement.

Most people know Letitia Wright as Shuri from Black Panther, while her co-star John Boyega broke into the mainstream with the role of Finn in Star Wars movies. They are both winners of the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

The post Letitia Wright and John Boyega Land Lead Roles in “Small Axe” appeared first on EverydayKoala.

Mangrove focuses on the trials and tribulations of Mangrove 9, a group of Black activists who clashed with London police during a protest march in 1970. Its cast includes Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes, and Malachi Kirby, and it’s the first chapter of McQueen’s Small Axe anthology series.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker previously opened the London Film Festival with his last feature film Widows, and he said that now’s the perfect time for him to return to this festival with another project. “I couldn’t be happier that Mangrove will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival. Although the themes are universal, Mangrove is a London story. It may have happened fifty years ago, but it’s as relevant today as it was then,” said McQueen in a statement.

The London Film Festival will take place between October 7–18, and it’s expected to feature a mix of physical and online programs.

The post Steve McQueen’s “Mangrove” to Open London Film Festival appeared first on EverydayKoala.

Sam Mendes, the director who is likely to receive an Academy Award nomination for his newest film, 1917, is heading into the new year with a new title. 

Mendes has been announced as part of the Queen’s Honours list, meaning he will enter Buckingham Palace as a commoner, but leave as a Knight! The prestigious tribute is for the 54-year-old’s service to drama throughout his 26-year career that has spurned an Oscar Award for directing American Beauty. 

Mendes is not the only Hollywood star being honored by Queen Elizabeth II at the beginning of January. 

Steve McQueen, who scooped up the Best Director prize at the 2014 Academy Awards for his feature, 12 Years a Slave, is also being recognized for his services to film. Although raised in Australia, English-born Olivia Newton-John is set to become a Dame, not only because of her contribution to the entertainment industry, but also for her services to charity and cancer research. Despite already being made a Knight in 1998, Sir Elton John has been appointed as Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to music and charity. 

The Queen conducts her Honours List twice a year — at New Years and for her birthday in June. 

The post Here’s Who is Being Honored by the Queen on New Years appeared first on EverydayKoala.

This intriguing project will take us back to the ‘60s London and trace the struggles of the West Indian community in this city all the way through the ‘80s. McQueen felt this is an important story to tell, and he’s looking forward to reliving, reevaluating and investigating the lives of people who inspired it.

“I think audiences will identify with the trials, tribulations and joy of our characters as well as reflecting on the present environment in which we find ourselves. The dynamic nature of the series allows us to confront injustice in the face of adversity,” said the 12 Years a Slave director in a statement.

Most people know Letitia Wright as Shuri from Black Panther, while her co-star John Boyega broke into the mainstream with the role of Finn in Star Wars movies. They are both winners of the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

The post Letitia Wright and John Boyega Land Lead Roles in “Small Axe” appeared first on EverydayKoala.