Small Axe: Mangrove is a highly acclaimed drama film directed by Steve McQueen, which tells the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who were wrongfully arrested and charged with incitement to riot and affray. The film depicts their historic trial and the fight for justice against police brutality and systemic racism in 1970s London.
But where was this compelling film shot? The majority of the filming for Small Axe: Mangrove took place in London, the very city where the events unfolded. McQueen wanted to capture the authenticity and the sense of location, so he made sure to film in the exact locations where the events happened.
The main filming location for Small Axe: Mangrove was the All Saints Road in Notting Hill, which is where the Mangrove restaurant stood. The Mangrove restaurant was an iconic community hub for the Caribbean community, and it was at the center of the protests and subsequent trial. The crew also filmed in nearby areas, such as Ladbroke Grove, to accurately portray the vibrant community and bustling streets of 1970s London.
In addition to filming in London, the production team also recreated significant locations in the film’s story. They built a replica of the courtroom where the trial took place in a studio in West London. This meticulous attention to detail helps to immerse the audience in the intense and emotional courtroom scenes.
Overall, the filming locations of Small Axe: Mangrove play a crucial role in bringing this powerful and important story to life. By capturing the essence of the real locations and spaces, the film preserves the historical significance of the events and allows audiences to empathize with the characters and their struggles for justice.
Small Axe Mangrove Filming Locations: Exploring the Real Settings
Small Axe Mangrove is a critically acclaimed film directed by Steve McQueen that tells the powerful true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists who clashed with the London police in the 1970s. The film takes place in West London and showcases the struggles and resilience of the Black community during a time of systemic racism and discrimination.
If you’re curious about where the film was shot and want to explore the real settings portrayed in Small Axe Mangrove, here are a few filming locations you can visit:
Mangrove Restaurant, All Saints Road: One of the central locations in the film is the Mangrove Restaurant, which served as a meeting place for activists and a hub for the Black community. The real Mangrove Restaurant was located on All Saints Road in Notting Hill, and while it no longer exists, you can still visit the area and imagine the important conversations that took place there.
Westbourne Park Station: In the film, we see the characters using Westbourne Park Station, which is a real London Underground station located in Notting Hill. You can visit the station and get a sense of the atmosphere that the characters would have experienced during the time of the Mangrove Nine’s protests.
The Old Bailey: The Old Bailey, also known as the Central Criminal Court, is featured prominently in the film during the trial scenes. Located in the heart of London, this historic courthouse has been the site of many significant trials over the years. While you may not be able to access the interior, you can still visit the exterior and appreciate the architectural significance of this iconic building.
Notting Hill Carnival: Although not a filming location for the movie, the Notting Hill Carnival is closely linked to the events portrayed in Small Axe Mangrove. The carnival is an annual street festival that celebrates Caribbean culture and has its roots in the activism and solidarity of the Black community. Attending the carnival can provide a deeper understanding of the cultural context and the community spirit that the film depicts.
Exploring these filming locations and immersing yourself in the history and culture they represent can enhance your appreciation for the impactful storytelling of Small Axe Mangrove. It’s a reminder of the real events and the individuals who fought for justice and equality during a challenging time in London’s history.
Discovering the Authentic Shooting Spots of Small Axe Mangrove
If you’re a fan of Small Axe Mangrove and wondering about the authentic shooting spots, you’ve come to the right place. This critically acclaimed film directed by Steve McQueen takes place in London, England during the early 1970s. Let’s explore some of the iconic shooting locations that were used to bring this powerful story to life.
1. Mangrove Restaurant: The Mangrove Restaurant, which plays a central role in the film, was situated in All Saints Road, Notting Hill. This vibrant Caribbean restaurant became a hub for the local community and a meeting place for activists during that time. Today, you can still visit the area and see the location where Small Axe Mangrove was filmed.
2. Notting Hill Carnival: The film features scenes from the iconic Notting Hill Carnival, an annual event held in Notting Hill to celebrate Caribbean culture. The vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the carnival is captured beautifully in the film, showcasing the importance of this festival for the community.
3. Racism Protests: Small Axe Mangrove depicts the protests against racism and police harassment that took place during the 1970s. These protests were filmed in various locations in London, including Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. These historic landmarks serve as a reminder of the struggle for racial equality and justice.
4. Community Spaces: The film also explores the importance of community spaces for the Black population in London. The All Saints Youth Club and West Indian Social Club, located in the Notting Hill area, were used as shooting locations to depict the sense of belonging and unity among the characters.
5. Residential Areas: As Small Axe Mangrove tells the story of the local community, it features various residential areas where the characters live. These include areas like Harlesden, Ladbroke Grove, and Paddington, which were key locations for the film.
Visiting these shooting spots can give you a deeper understanding of the film and its historical context. You can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Notting Hill area and witness the places where the events of Small Axe Mangrove unfolded.
So, if you’re a fan of the film or simply interested in exploring the shooting locations, make sure to add these spots to your list when visiting London. It’s a chance to connect with the story on a deeper level and appreciate the power of film in capturing important moments in history.
Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Where Small Axe Mangrove Was Filmed
If you are a fan of the critically acclaimed film “Small Axe: Mangrove,” you might be curious about the filming locations that brought the story to life. The film, directed by Steve McQueen, showcases the real-life events surrounding the Mangrove Nine trial in 1970s London. Let’s uncover the hidden gems where “Small Axe: Mangrove” was filmed.
1. Mangrove Restaurant – Notting Hill
The iconic Mangrove Restaurant, which played a central role in the film, was actually filmed in the heart of Notting Hill. This vibrant neighborhood in West London has a rich history and was the perfect backdrop to recreate the Mangrove Restaurant’s atmosphere.
2. Black-Owned Bookstore – Brixton
One of the memorable scenes in the film takes place in a black-owned bookstore. This scene was filmed in Brixton, a multicultural district in South London known for its vibrant community and rich cultural heritage.
3. Racism Protest – Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, located in central London, was the setting for a powerful protest scene in “Small Axe: Mangrove.” This historic landmark became the backdrop for the film’s powerful depiction of the fight against racism and injustice.
4. Police Station and Courtrooms – West London
The police station and courtrooms featured in the film were filmed in West London. The specific locations were carefully chosen to reflect the time period and capture the essence of the Mangrove Nine trial.
5. Community Gathering – Harlesden
A pivotal community gathering scene in the film was filmed in Harlesden, a vibrant neighborhood in North West London. This location emphasized the sense of unity and solidarity among the characters.
6. Family Home – Hackney
The family home featured in “Small Axe: Mangrove” was filmed in Hackney, an East London neighborhood known for its diverse community and vibrant cultural scene. The choice of this location added authenticity to the film’s portrayal of domestic life.
7. Parks and Residential Areas – Various Locations
Throughout the film, parks and residential areas are used to portray everyday life in 1970s London. These scenes were shot in various locations across the city, providing an authentic glimpse into the era and the characters’ surroundings.
Visiting these filming locations allows you to step into the world of “Small Axe: Mangrove” and gain a deeper understanding of the film’s historical context. Whether you are an avid film buff or simply curious about London’s hidden gems, a journey to these sites is sure to be a memorable experience.
Exploring the Captivating Backdrops of Small Axe Mangrove Filming
Small Axe is a series of films created and directed by award-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen. One of the films in the series, “Mangrove,” tells the true story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of black activists who were wrongfully arrested and charged with incitement to riot during a protest in London in 1970.
The filming of “Mangrove” took place in various locations in and around London, England, showcasing the captivating backdrops of the city. These backdrops not only provide a visually stunning setting for the film but also play a vital role in portraying the socio-political atmosphere of the time.
The Mangrove Restaurant
One of the central locations in the film is the Mangrove Restaurant, owned by Frank Crichlow, who was one of the defendants in the real-life trial. The actual Mangrove Restaurant was located in Notting Hill, London, and was an important meeting place for the black community and a hub for Caribbean culture. The filming of the Mangrove Restaurant scenes took place in a meticulously recreated set, which accurately captured the vibrant and lively ambiance of the original restaurant.
The Streets of Notting Hill
The streets of Notting Hill also served as a prominent backdrop for the film. Notting Hill is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in London, known for its annual Notting Hill Carnival and its rich multicultural history. The film showcases the bustling streets of the area, capturing the essence of the vibrant community and the energy of the time.
The attention to detail in the set design and the choice of filming locations brings the story of “Mangrove” to life, immersing the viewers in the turbulent era of racial tension and social injustice. The captivating backdrops of the film not only serve as aesthetically pleasing visuals but also emphasize the importance of these historical events and their impact on the local community.
In conclusion, the filming of “Mangrove” in London, particularly in the Mangrove Restaurant and the streets of Notting Hill, provides a captivating backdrop for the story, effectively recreating the atmosphere of the time and bringing the events to life on screen.
