Ravensbourne University London lecturer has film ‘The Building’ showcased at New Black Film Collective festival
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Ravensbourne University London’s short film, 'The Building' was recently screened at the prestigious New Black Film Collective festival, an event celebrating and promoting diversity in the creative industries.
Taking place on 25 March, the screening was part of the event's ongoing commitment to showcasing innovative voices in film and pushing for increased representation in the UK on-screen sector.
Orson Nava quote
It was great seeing 'The Building' screened. The New Black Film Collective are an amazing organisation who have been promoting Black cinema in the UK for many years, and the Rich Mix venue where it happened is a very established part of East London’s cultural scene. Several colleagues from Ravensbourne who worked on the film attended the event and the audience reception was very good.”
Set in Ravensbourne’s state-of-the-art Institute for Creativity and Technology (ICT), the film follows Caleb, a company CEO who begins to rely heavily on the AI system running his building. The story delves into the ethical and personal dilemmas created by our growing dependence on technology, exploring who ultimately holds control in the human-AI dynamic.
'The Building' was co-written by well-renowned British actor Cornell John and starred Mo Sesay, who is known for his role in Young Soul Rebels — the first film directed by a Black gay director in the UK. His experience in groundbreaking cinema added an extra layer of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of AI’s growing role in our daily lives.
It was also collaboratively produced by Ravensbourne staff, students, and graduates, bringing Dr. Orson Nava’s vision to life. The striking science-fiction inspired interiors of the ICT building played a direct role in shaping the film’s script, offering an immersive and visually compelling backdrop.
The New Black Film Collective festival, held from March 24-27 at Rich Mix in London, was supported by industry leaders like Warner Bros. Discovery, BFI, Film London, and ScreenSkills. It also featured influential keynote speakers, panel discussions, and screenings, including 'The Building', which spotlighted the evolving creative sector.
Ravensbourne’s commitment to providing benefits in the industries we serve is clear in the success of 'The Building' — a film that not only addresses important questions surrounding AI but also exemplifies the university’s dedication to creative collaboration, pushing the boundaries of both technology and storytelling.
