Belle

Directed by Amma Asante
Starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Miranda Richardson and Penelope Wilton

Set in the late 18th century this moving film tells the story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate biracial daughter of a British Navy officer raised by her aristocratic great-uncle and his wife. Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the colour of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.

Why the Storyhouse Young Programmers chose it:

“This beautifully written film, inspired by a painting depicting Belle as an equal to her white sister, highlights the British experience of grappling with slavery – a part of British history that is often neglected. Little is known about the true life of Dido Belle, however the stories of Dido, and other inspiring Black woman deserve to be remembered and told.”