The highly anticipated premiere of the documentary Voices of Hope takes place at the prestigious I Will Tell International Film Festival on Saturday 9th September at the Birmingham Town Hall, with simultaneous screenings at the Curzon Cinema in London and the Orpheus Cinema in Bristol.
I Will Tell International Film Festival, supported by the BFI, recently announced its expansion in this, its 17th year, from London to Birmingham and Bristol cinemas, with additional virtual screenings of films from around the world including the UK, US, Canada, Iran, India, Ukraine, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Australia.
The highlight of the Birmingham expansion is the Festival’s Red Carpet Weekend Gala Premiere of Voices of Hope and promises to be a memorable celebration of music, culture and the unifying power of untold stories. The screening will be part of a double bill with Black Strings, a stirring short film about the power of music to heal.
Voices of Hope is a captivating documentary that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC). The film delves into the choir’s extraordinary journey, the strong faith that binds them together, their profound impact on the cultural landscape and their deep commitment to charitable endeavours that uplift and transform lives beyond the realm of music. The evening’s highlight will be a thought-provoking Q&A session with Bazil Meade MBE the visionary founder of LCGC, chaired by Diane Louise Jordan. The festivities will also include an acoustic performance by the London Community Gospel Choir.
Elstree Arts brought the film to life with a talented group of students under the guidance of established filmmakers. Producer Chris Mitchell said “In some ways, our creative journey with this film has mirrored the choir’s own path of resilience and evolution. We could not be more proud of our students and look forward to welcoming audiences to a Festival that has been working tirelessly to champion underrepresented filmmakers for 17 years.”
Festival Founder and Director, Jenny Lee, added, “Documentaries like Voices of Hope play a crucial role in preserving and sharing the stories of influential and artistic movements such as the London Community Gospel Choir. They provide a platform for reflection, celebration and dialogue, while also highlighting the enduring relevance of the choir’s message in today’s world.”
Bazil Meade MBE, LCGC Founder concludes, “Music has the incredible power to transcend boundaries, heal wounds and bring people together. As I reflect on the journey of the London Community Gospel Choir and its 40 years of spreading joy, love and inspiration, the one thing that stands out to me is how in times of challenge, our voices can become beacons of hope.”
Venue Locations:
BIRMINGHAM: Birmingham Town Hall | Mocking Bird Cinema
BRISTOL: Orpheus Cinema | Lord Mayor’s Chapel
LONDON: Curzon Cinema, Mayfair | ARC Church, Forest Gate
Tickets and Pricing:
Tickets for Voices of Hope are £17.50 plus ticket registration fee and are available HERE
