Small Axe is a critically acclaimed anthology film series created and directed by the iconic British filmmaker Steve McQueen. The series includes five standalone films that explore the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the late 1960s to the early 1980s.
Each of these films in the series has its own unique story and characters, but they are all connected by the common theme of racial discrimination and social injustice. The series sheds light on the struggles and resilience of the West Indian community during a time when they faced systemic racism and prejudice in their daily lives.
Small Axe was filmed in various locations in London, capturing the vibrant energy and cultural diversity of the city during the time period depicted in the films. The cinematography, costumes, and set designs authentically recreate the atmosphere of the era, immersing the viewers in the historical context of the stories being told.
Steve McQueen’s attention to detail and commitment to telling these stories with integrity and respect have made Small Axe a truly groundbreaking series. The five films have won numerous awards and critical acclaim, making them an important part of British cinema history. By shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of the West Indian community, Small Axe serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against racism and fighting for social justice.
Small Axe Filming Schedule
Small Axe is a collection of five films created by acclaimed filmmaker Steve McQueen. Each film highlights different aspects of the West Indian immigrant experience in London from the 1960s to the 1980s.
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The filming schedule for Small Axe took place over a period of several months in various locations around London. The production team was dedicated to accurately recreating the time period and capturing the essence of the real-life events that inspired the films.
The first film in the series, Mangrove, was filmed between July and September 2019. This film focuses on the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of activists who were wrongly accused of inciting a riot in Notting Hill in 1970.
Lovers Rock was filmed shortly after, from September to October 2019. This film takes place over the course of a single night at a house party and explores the vibrant reggae scene in London during the early 1980s.
Next, Red, White and Blue began filming in October 2019 and wrapped up in November 2019. This film tells the story of Leroy Logan, a young forensic scientist who becomes a police officer in an effort to combat racism within the force.
Alex Wheatle, the fourth film of the series, was filmed in November 2019. It follows the life of Alex Wheatle, a British writer of Jamaican descent, and his experiences growing up in the foster care system and finding his voice as a writer.
The final film, Education, was also filmed in November 2019. It explores the struggles faced by black children in the British education system in the 1970s and the impact of the “special needs” label on their lives.
Overall, the filming of Small Axe spanned several months in 2019, with each film capturing a unique story and time period within the larger narrative of the West Indian immigrant experience in London.
Origin and Purpose
Small Axe is a critically acclaimed anthology series created and directed by Steve McQueen. The series consists of five films that were released on BBC One and Amazon Prime Video in 2020. Each film tells a different story that explores themes of racial injustice and systemic discrimination, focusing on the experiences of the West Indian community in London during the late 20th century.
The purpose of Small Axe is to shed light on the often untold stories of the West Indian community and the struggles they faced in their daily lives. Through powerful storytelling and compelling performances, the series aims to challenge and subvert mainstream narratives, giving a voice to those who have been marginalized and overlooked.
By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the West Indian community, Small Axe seeks to educate and raise awareness about the ongoing issues of racial inequality and discrimination. It aims to spark conversations and bring about meaningful change by encouraging viewers to confront and address the injustices that persist in society.
Principal Filming Period
The principal filming period for the TV series “Small Axe” took place between 2018 and 2020. The series consists of five films, each depicting a different story within the Afro-Caribbean community in London, during the 1960s to the 1980s. Each film was shot over a different timeline within the principal filming period.
The first film, “Mangrove”, was filmed in 2018 and tells the story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were arrested and tried for protesting against police harassment in Notting Hill.
The second film, “Lovers Rock”, was filmed in 2019 and centers around a fictional romance that unfolds at a reggae house party in West London.
The third film, “Red, White and Blue”, was also filmed in 2019 and follows the true story of Leroy Logan, a Black man who joins the Metropolitan Police in the 1980s to try and change the institution from within.
The fourth film, “Alex Wheatle”, was filmed in 2019 as well and tells the real-life story of Alex Wheatle, a young Black man who spent his teenage years in a notorious children’s home and later becomes a renowned writer.
The fifth and final film, “Education”, was filmed in 2020 and explores the systematic racism in the British education system through the story of a young boy who is wrongly placed in special education.
Each film was carefully crafted to authentically portray the experiences and struggles of the Afro-Caribbean community during the specified time periods. The principal filming period allowed the creators to capture the essence of each story and bring it to life on screen.
Shooting Locations
The filming for “Small Axe” took place in various locations in and around London, England. The series showcases different stories from the Afro-Caribbean community in London during the 1960s and 1970s, so the shooting locations were carefully chosen to authentically represent that era.
Some of the key shooting locations for “Small Axe” include:
Mangrove Restaurant (Notting Hill)
The iconic Mangrove Restaurant in Notting Hill was one of the main shooting locations for the series. This restaurant was a hub for the black community and is known for its historical significance as a meeting place for activists and intellectuals during that time.
Alexandra Road Estate (Camden)
The Alexandra Road Estate in Camden served as a shooting location for some of the episodes. This residential complex was designed in the brutalist architectural style and provided a realistic backdrop for the portrayal of urban life in London during the 1960s and 1970s.
Other filming locations include local streets, parks, and historical sites that added an authentic touch to the series and helped recreate the atmosphere and spirit of the time.
Overall, the shooting locations chosen for “Small Axe” played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the Afro-Caribbean community in London during that period and adding depth and realism to the storytelling.
