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Often, in media, Black men are presented as strong, emotionless, angry and brutal forces.
There needs to be a conversation where we look at the spectrum that young black men exist upon like any other social group, from roadmen to drag queens and everything in-between.
This short looks at how no one view is wrong or right but that all identities exist, in an attempt to reveal black existence as complex, flawed and human as any others, without being subject to objectification. Being a Black man as a concept represents an idea where we are not afforded the space to be complex and varied in our spectrum of equally unique existences.
This short, that exists with no particular narrative in mind, offers a range of fleeting and more intimate glimpses of Black men, shedding light not only on a small portion of the broad Spectrum of backgrounds, identities and aesthetics that Black men can fall under and express themselves with, but also the Spectrum of states in which any given Black man can exist within themselves… a representation that contrasts the traditional, more single minded portrayals of Black men that we have sadly come to expect.
In our current socio-political climate, this film is hyper relevant, as it tenderly presents everyday people that we can all empathise with. The title ‘Spectrum’ is about the vast capacity for complexity that young black men exist upon. This film is also important for not only creating conversation in the way we are seen but the way we see ourselves.
This film is unique in that it attempts to bring beauty, volatility, masculinity and fragility to the forefront of what it means to be a young black man, it presents real people purely defined by their personalities.

New Creatives is supported by Arts Council England and Â鶹ԼÅÄ Arts.

A film by Bakani Pick-Up
Jamie Buchanan – Co-Director
Tommy Khosla – Composer
Joseph Usman – Actor
Moses Ward – Dancer