Black Girl Essex, Here We Come, Look We Here, 2019

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HD digital video, sound

13:41 minutes (1:09-minute excerpt)

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Edition of 3 and 1 AP

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Filmed at the Port of Tilbury, Essex.

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This film marked the culmination of a six-month residency at Firstsite. Its narration was shaped through focus groups with members of Essex’s Black community, foregrounding collective voice, testimony, and the diasporic experience of living outside of London. Set against the backdrop of Tilbury Docks—the landing site of the Empire Windrush in 1948—the work reflects on Black presence and belonging within Essex’s historical and cultural landscape.

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Commissioned by Firstsite. Funded through Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants. 

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Credits:

Conceived, written, and produced by Elsa James from focus groups she held with members of the Black communities in Essex. Directed, photographed and edited by Andy Delaney. Performance by Elsa James. Narrative edited by Elsa James. With Graham Tobias, Camera Assistant and Gaffer; Mak Gilchrist, Director's Assistant; Storm Thompson, Assistant to Elsa James; Louis Gaston, Sound Engineer; Adrian Seery, Colourist; Ed Hall, New Essex Flag for the film; Symone Williams, Carnival Costume Designer; and Ian Matthews, Music Consultant. All film stills: Andy Delaney.

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Screening history: 

2023 - Tilbury Cruise Terminal, Essex, UK

2022 - Goldsmiths CCA, London, UK

2022 - Focal Point Gallery, Essex, UK

2022 - Firstsite, Colchester, UK

2021 - South London Gallery, London, UK

2019 - Firstsite, Colchester, UK