Scene by scene: Sinners (part 1)

What if the vampire film Sinners was never just about vampires?

This is the first in a four-part series that takes a closer look at this bold and layered film, breaking it down scene by scene. Led by writer and scholar Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa, we’ll explore the real Black history woven into the story.

This isn’t a film screening. It’s a guided deep dive into the historical and cultural truths behind the fiction, unpacking the symbols, metaphors and messages hidden in plain sight.

This scene-by-scene analysis will cover topics such as:

• Redlining and Black economic empowerment from the 1920s to the present
• Animal symbolism, use of colour and African spiritual practices
• Black love on screen and the significance of its portrayal
• Music, royalties and cultural ownership, including James Brown and Sister Nancy
• The role of the Black character in horror films
• Hollywood’s resistance to positive Black imagery
• Real Black soldiers of the First World War in Cardiff and Liverpool
• The Ku Klux Klan’s activity in Notting Hill
• Suppression of Black cinema through piracy and limited distribution
• Systemic racism in UK and international cinema, including the current make-up of decision-makers at the BFI

Each event in the series will dig deeper into Sinners and the real-life stories behind it. Come to one or join all four for a fresh take on how film can reflect and distort Black history.

This event is part of Black History 365, Fulham Palace’s year-round series that highlights the stories and perspectives of people who have been historically marginalised.

About the speaker

Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa is a writer, scholar and cultural educator whose work focuses on African spiritual traditions and identity. Born in Guyana and raised in the UK, she holds a PhD on the Guyanese Komfa ritual and used to lecture in English Literature at London Metropolitan University. She now runs writing workshops and co-teaches courses on James Baldwin and African women resistance leaders. Through her publishing platform Way Wive Wordz, she’s released fiction, poetry and academic work exploring culture, memory and resistance.

Event details:

• This talk is part of the Black History 365 series.
• This is a free event in partnership with Way Wive Wordz and Black History Walks.