I Am Judah

'I am Judah' is a documentary film about an Easton community elder ‘Ras’ Judah Adunbi directed by Bristolian filmmaker Bashart Malik and produced by Christina Robino and Saleh Mamon.

Synopsis

In 2017, police mistook Ras Judah for a crime suspect and as a result he was brutally tasered in the face while he was walking his dog. The officer who discharged the taser, was found not guilty at her criminal trial and in September 2018 was also cleared of misconduct.

If it wasn’t for Ras Judah Adunbi’s neighbour, Tom Cherry, we might never have known what really happened. His story begs questions about how we respect, even notice other people in a modern, diverse, multiracial city.

A twist to the story is that this was not the first or the last time that Ras Judah has been a victim of police harassment and so-called 'mistaken identity'. Ras Judah is determined to speak the uncensored truth of what has happened to him, not only for himself but for all the other victims of these types of injustices.

Using verbatim script, poetry and cinematography to reinforce a deeply personal narrative, the film highlights the danger of system failure, a lack of mindfulness and a closing of ranks that led to a violent incident at Ras Judah’s home. The film isn’t a documentary expose, but a deeper exploration of the meaning of identity through one man’s eyes, with a completely independent approach.

Further information

This film screening will feature a photography exhibition by Mark Simmons, live poetry and will follow with a Q&A featuring guest panellists.

50% of the ticket proceeds will go to Ras Judah and the independent filmmakers behind I am Judah.

About Trinity Presents

This event is part of Trinity Presents - our in-house programme of music and performance, bringing world-class artists and emerging talent to inner-city audiences.