THE NEW BLACK FILM COLLECTIVE’S TNB XPO 2026 UNVEILS PROGRAMME

THE NEW BLACK FILM COLLECTIVE’S TNB XPO 2026 UNVEILS PROGRAMME

- Free flagship event, taking place from 17-19 April, champions opportunities for Black creatives across the UK screen industries -

17 April 2026: The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) has unveiled the programme for TNB XPO2026, returning for its fifth edition from 17–19 April at BLOC Cinema in East London.

Now established as one of the UK’s leading gatherings for Black creatives in film, television and gaming, the three-day event will bring together industry professionals, emerging talent and audiences for a dynamic programme of screenings, panels, workshops and networking opportunities. Promoting diversity in the film industry, TNBFC’s flagship event continues to drive systemic change, strengthen the pipeline for Black talent, and celebrate Black excellence across the screen industries. 

After previewing Black Is Beautiful: Kwame Brathwaite Story, followed by a Q&A with director Yemi Bamiro and producer Joanna Boateng on March 23rd at Channel 4, TNB XPO’s evening programme proceeds with a re-release of the landmark concert film Soul to Soul, celebrating legendary African-American soul, jazz and gospel artists and the thought-provoking BLKNWS: TERMS & CONDITIONS by experimental filmmaker, Kahlil Joseph. The closing night culminates with The Eyes of Ghana followed by an illustrious panel that includes the film’s producer, Justice Baidoo, Mawutor Alifo (Minister/Head of Chancery - Ghana High Commission), Herbert Kwaku Yinyela Bukari (political activist that worked under President Kwame Nkrumah) and Naa Adjeley Kwei (Screen Heritage Ambassador). Finally, TNB XPO is proud to have the privilege of being joined by Youssef Nkrumah - the grandson of President Kwame Nkumrah, as its special VIP guest. 

Across the weekend, TNB XPO will host a series of timely and thought-provoking conversations addressing key industry issues, including:

• The representation of Black men on screen 
• The exploitation and portrayal of Black women in reality TV e.g. Love Is Blind and Love Island
• Anti-Blackness in the media, in the wake of recent controversies involving BAFTA and the BBC

Industry-focused sessions will include:

• Film School with Black Starline 
• FDA Session with Black Cinema Club 
• A deep dive into Black history within Hollywood blockbusters 
• A session on AI in music videos with Black Secret 
• BlackTrack - slate presentation of upcoming Black titles in 2026
• Warner Bros. Discovery Access ‘Reframing The Game’ Short Showcase of sporting documentaries that highlight Black female directors

TNB XPO will also honour producer and Screen Nation founder Charles Thompson MBE with a special tribute celebrating his contribution to the industry.

Further speakers include Charmaine Simpson (Founder of Black History Studies) alongside contributors such as Amenno Studios. BLOC cinema has been a vital new partner in enabling TNBFC in reorganising this essential event for Black creatives. 

Priscilla Igwe, Founder and CEO of The New Black Film Collective, said: “We are proud to present our 2026 programme for this year’s TNB XPO. While it was a difficult decision to reschedule and streamline the event due to the threat of tube strike action, we are excited to deliver three packed days of industry talks, panels, screenings and networking. It is more vital than ever that spaces like this exist. We are seeing a concerning decline in DEI commitments across the industry, alongside reduced opportunities for the Black community and recent high-profile instances of disrespect towards Black artists on the global stage. Despite this, Black talent continues to demonstrate undeniable commercial and cultural impact. TNBFC remains committed to championing and connecting Black creatives with the wider industry. TNB XPO plays a critical role in strengthening this pipeline, helping to shape the future of film, television and gaming. With thanks to our partners, we are able to keep the event free and accessible to all, whether established professionals or those just starting their journey, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be an inspiring and impactful event.”

Founded in 2013 following a Film London leadership initiative, The New Black Film Collective (TNBFC) exists to cultivate a vibrant Black ecosystem across the UK screen industries - connecting every stage of the creative pipeline from talent to exhibition. Through its flagship initiatives PictureEast Film Festival and TNB XPO, alongside strategic partnerships with leading industry organisations TNBFC continues to champion Black-led production, distribution, and preservation of Black film and television. More than a network, TNBFC is a movement - building visibility, resilience, and opportunity for Black creatives, while setting new standards for how inclusion and industry transformation can truly work hand in hand. 

TNB XPO is free to attend and is for anyone working in the UK screen industries, at any stage of their career. 

For more information and alerts when tickets are available, please visit https://www.tnbfc.co.uk