Small Axe is a renowned British anthology film series created and directed by Steve McQueen. The series consists of five stand-alone films that explore the lives of West Indian immigrants in London from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Each film focuses on a different story and set of characters, shedding light on various aspects of the immigrant experience.
The first film in the series, Mangrove, was released in 2020 and is set in the late 1960s. It tells the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of black activists who were arrested and put on trial after a protest against police harassment. The film explores themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and the power of collective resistance.
The second film, Lovers Rock, is set in the 1980s and focuses on a house party in London’s West Indian community. It captures the vibrant energy of the reggae and lovers rock music scene and delves into themes of love, desire, and cultural identity.
The other films in the series include Red, White and Blue, Education, and Alex Wheatle. Each film is set in a different time period and offers a unique perspective on the experiences of West Indian immigrants in London.
Overall, Small Axe is a powerful and critically acclaimed series that illuminates the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the West Indian community in Britain. It serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the need to tell untold stories.
Small Axe – Setting and Time Period
Small Axe is a critically acclaimed anthology film series created and directed by Steve McQueen. The series consists of five films that explore different aspects of the Black British experience from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Setting
The films in the Small Axe series are set primarily in London, England. They take place in various neighborhoods such as the West Indian community in Notting Hill, Hackney, and Lewisham.
Each film offers a unique perspective on the lived experiences of Black individuals during this time period. They shed light on the challenges faced by the community, including racism, discrimination, and social injustices.
Time Period
The Small Axe series covers a significant span of time, beginning in the late 1960s and continuing into the 1980s. Each film focuses on a specific historical moment or era within this time frame.
Some of the events depicted in the series include the 1968 Mangrove protest, the 1974 “Blues Parties” held in response to discrimination in the entertainment industry, and the New Cross Fire in 1981 which claimed the lives of several Black British teenagers.
By exploring these different time periods, Small Axe provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the Black British experience and the struggles faced by Black individuals in their fight for equality and justice.
Historical Background of the Small Axe
The small axe has a long history that dates back centuries. It has been an essential tool for various cultures around the world, used for a wide range of purposes such as clearing land, cutting wood, and harvesting crops. The small axe is characterized by its compact size, sharp blade, and sturdy handle, which allows for precise and efficient use.
In the context of Jamaica, the small axe holds significant historical importance. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Jamaica’s sugar industry was flourishing, and the island was a major hub for European colonization and trade. However, this prosperity came at the expense of enslaved Africans who were forcibly brought to the island to work on sugar plantations.
Enslaved individuals faced unimaginable cruelty and hardship, but they also found ways to resist and fight for their freedom. One notable form of resistance was through music and song. The small axe became a symbol of defiance and empowerment, as it was often used to play the banjo, a musical instrument favored by the enslaved population.
Through their music, the enslaved Africans expressed their pain, hopes, and aspirations, while also maintaining a sense of cultural identity and community. The small axe became synonymous with resistance, as it was a tool that could both destroy and create. It was used to chop down the oppressive institutions of slavery, while also sowing the seeds of liberation and change.
- The small axe represented strength and resilience in the face of oppression.
- It was a symbol of unity and solidarity among the enslaved population.
- Music played with the small axe became a means of communication and resistance.
- The small axe was a powerful tool that could reshape the destiny of a people.
The legacy of the small axe continues to resonate in Jamaica and beyond. It stands as a reminder of the resilience and creativity of those who fought for their freedom and the power of music as a form of resistance. Today, the small axe serves as a symbol of empowerment for marginalized communities and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who came before us.
Setting of the Small Axe
The Small Axe series is set in London during the late 1960s to the early 1980s. It explores the lives of the West Indian community in the city, focusing on their struggles, triumphs, and experiences of racial discrimination and oppression.
The Mangrove Restaurant
One of the key settings in the Small Axe series is the Mangrove restaurant, a real-life Caribbean restaurant located in Notting Hill. The Mangrove restaurant becomes a central hub for the community, serving as a meeting place for Caribbean immigrants and a symbol of resistance against systemic racism.
The Mangrove restaurant, owned by Frank Crichlow, becomes the target of frequent police raids and harassment. These events culminate in the infamous Mangrove Nine trial, where nine Black activists, including Frank Crichlow, were wrongfully charged with incitement to riot and affray. This trial becomes a turning point in the fight against police racism and an important moment in Black British history.
Notting Hill Carnival
Another important setting in the Small Axe series is the Notting Hill Carnival. The carnival, which has been held annually since 1966, is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage in London. It serves as a powerful backdrop for the series, highlighting the vibrancy and resilience of the West Indian community.
Throughout the series, the Notting Hill Carnival is portrayed as a space of joy, freedom, and resistance. It becomes a symbol of cultural pride and a platform for activism. The carnival scenes in Small Axe capture the energy and spirit of this iconic event, showcasing the music, dancing, and diverse community that come together to make it a truly unique experience.
Overall, the setting of Small Axe plays a crucial role in capturing the historical and cultural context of London’s West Indian community during a time of significant social and political change.
Small Axe and the London Mangrove Nine Trial
The London Mangrove Nine Trial was a landmark court case that took place between 18th of March and 27th of April 1971. It was a pivotal moment in British history, highlighting the racial tensions and discrimination faced by the black community in London during the 1960s and 1970s.
The trial was a result of the clash between the Metropolitan Police and the black community in Notting Hill, specifically the Mangrove restaurant, which was a popular meeting place for activists and intellectuals at the time. The police had been targeting the restaurant, accusing it of being a hub of illegal activities, and had conducted multiple raids, fueling tension and anger among the black community.
The Mangrove Nine, consisting of Frank Crichlow, Darcus Howe, Altheia Jones-LeCointe, Barbara Beese, Rupert Boyce, Rhodan Gordon, Anthony Innis, Rothwell Kentish, and Godfrey Millett, were arrested following a protest march against police harassment on August 9, 1970. They were charged with various offenses, including incitement to riot and affray.
During the trial, the Mangrove Nine and their legal team, led by barrister Ian Macdonald, argued that the arrests and charges were a result of racial discrimination and an attempt to suppress the black community’s fight for justice and equality. The trial became a symbol of resistance against systemic racism in the British justice system.
The trial lasted for over a month, during which the defendants and their legal team faced numerous challenges, including biased judges and jury selection. However, their steadfast determination and compelling arguments brought attention to the issue of racial injustice and garnered significant public support.
In a historic verdict, the jury acquitted the Mangrove Nine on the charges of incitement to riot and reduced the charges of affray to the lesser charge of riotous assembly. The trial marked the first time in British legal history that a judge had allowed a case to be tried on the grounds of racial discrimination.
The Mangrove Nine trial had a profound impact on the fight against racism and discrimination in the UK. It served as a catalyst for change and paved the way for future civil rights movements. The trial also inspired director Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed film series, “Small Axe,” which was released in 2020.
The London Mangrove Nine Trial remains a significant event in British history, reminding us of the injustices faced by marginalized communities and the power of collective action in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Time Period Depicted in the Small Axe
The Small Axe is a collection of five films directed by Steve McQueen, which depict various stories about the lives of Caribbean immigrants living in London between the 1960s and 1980s. Each film focuses on different characters and experiences, showcasing different aspects of the Caribbean community’s struggle against racism and inequality. The films aim to shed light on important events and issues faced by these immigrants during this time period.
Mangrove (1968-1971)
One of the films in the Small Axe collection is “Mangrove,” which is set between the years 1968 and 1971. It tells the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were unjustly targeted by the police and the legal system. The events take place during a time of significant racial tension and civil rights activism in London, and the film highlights the importance of the Mangrove restaurant as a meeting place and cultural hub for the Caribbean community.
Lovers Rock (1980s)
“Lovers Rock” is a film in the Small Axe collection that is set in the 1980s. It takes place over the course of one night at a house party, capturing the unique atmosphere and culture of the time. The film explores themes of love, music, and identity, providing a vibrant glimpse into the Caribbean community’s experience in London during this period.
The other films in the Small Axe collection, including “Red, White and Blue,” “Alex Wheatle,” and “Education,” also take place during the 1960s and 1980s, highlighting different aspects of the Caribbean immigrant experience in London and the struggles faced by the community during this time.
The Small Axe collection provides a powerful and important portrayal of the Caribbean immigrant experience in London, shedding light on a historically marginalized community and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Impact and Relevance of the Small Axe
The Small Axe film series, directed by Steve McQueen, has had a significant impact and has garnered considerable relevance since its release. The series, consisting of five films, explores the experiences of West Indians, particularly those of the British West Indian community, during the 1960s to the 1980s.
Recognition and Awards
The Small Axe series has received critical acclaim and has been recognized for its cultural significance and storytelling. It has won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival for the film “Mangrove.” This recognition highlights the series’ artistic excellence and reinforces its relevance in contemporary society.
Social and Cultural Relevance
Small Axe resonates with audiences due to its exploration of important themes such as racial discrimination, systemic injustice, and the struggle for equality. The series sheds light on the experiences of the Black community, highlighting their resilience, activism, and contributions to British society.
By bringing these stories to the forefront, Small Axe has sparked conversations about historical and ongoing racial inequality, prompting viewers to reflect on the current social and political landscape. The series has also provided a platform for discussions about representation and diversity in the film industry.
Portrayal of Real-life Events
One of the strengths of Small Axe is its commitment to portraying real-life events and individuals. The films are based on true stories, such as the Mangrove Nine trial and the New Cross Fire. By presenting these events through a cinematic lens, Small Axe ensures that these pivotal moments in history are not forgotten and encourages a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the Black community in the UK.
Empowerment and Visibility
The Small Axe series has empowered those whose stories have often been overlooked or marginalized. By centering the narratives of West Indian immigrants, the series provides a much-needed platform for their voices and experiences. This representation has resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to increased visibility and appreciation for the British West Indian community.
In conclusion, the Small Axe film series has had a profound impact and remains relevant in contemporary society. Through its recognition, cultural relevance, portrayal of real-life events, and empowerment of marginalized voices, it continues to spark conversations and contribute to a broader understanding of the experiences of the Black community in the UK.
