The centre of attention

The Barbican Centre in London will present *Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Pan-Africa* from June to September 2026, a season of over 30 events spanning art, cinema, music, performance, and talks. The program examines how Pan-Africanism—advocating self-determination, anti-colonial resistance, and global solidarity among African diasporas—has shaped cultural movements across continents, from Creole traditions in Cape Verde to Black Rights in the USA and reggae’s liberation philosophies in the Caribbean. The Barbican Cinema Curator, Matthew Barrington, leads *Project a Black Planet: Film*, a 19-event series exploring Pan-African ideas through landmark films, archival works, and contemporary moving-image practices. Barrington emphasizes cinema’s unique ability to convey emotion, context, and historical narratives, bridging gaps for diaspora audiences by connecting them to their elders’ experiences. The program includes films featuring figures like Walter Rodney and Amilcar Cabral, presented in ways that contextualize their actions and words beyond written records. A key focus is cultural preservation, with events addressing whose histories are archived and how materials are maintained. The June Givanni Pan-African Film Archive will host a program on FESPACO, Africa’s oldest film festival, alongside panels with archivists like Jonathan Ali, Xavier Pillai, and Abiba Coullibaly. These discussions highlight London’s role in preserving Black diasporic film culture and advocate for broader recognition of archival work. The season also explores how festivals, carnivals, museums, and collective gatherings have fostered traditions of resistance and solidarity. By screening rare films and hosting conversations, the Barbican aims to keep these narratives alive and inspire further screenings and events. The initiative underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while celebrating its global impact.