Now running at BFI Southbank until 17 March 2026 is a fascinating season called Constructed, Told, Spoken: A Counter History of Britain on TV. Curated by BFI TV Programmer Xavier Alexandre Pillai, the programme lays out the achievements of a radical television movement that helped reshape Britain’s cultural landscape.
Through the programme of screenings, talks and discussions, the season shows the important influence of TV programmes produced from the 1960s that became a platform for voices of the diaspora during a transformative period in British social history.
For many watching, the programmes will stir memories of gathering around the television: to hear the authoritative voice of Mahendra Kaul, listen to the devotional power of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, learn about cricketing heroes, encounter the paintings of Bhupen Khakhar. This was the flourishing of diasporic perspectives scarcely represented elsewhere in British media.
The season tells the story of the growth of a multicultural counter-position within British broadcasting. Its most significant moment came in the 1970s and 1980s with the emergence of multicultural programming units — collectives of Black and Asian media workers who created distinctive strands of programming across British television.
At the BBC these included Naya Jindagi Naya Jeevan, Ghaffar, Open Door, Ebony, Network East and Black Britain. At ITV, through companies such as Associated Television and London Weekend Television, programmes such as Here and Now and Skin emerged. Meanwhile the newly established Channel 4 commissioned landmark series including Eastern Eye, Black on Black, The Bandung File and Black Bag.
Combining lifestyle, politics, culture and sport, these programmes still stand as remarkable examples of documentary making. These shows challenged racism and defended the culture and politics of minority communities in Britain. They also looked outward and reported on global liberation struggles and the growing diasporic cultures connecting Britain with the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
Catch it while you can. Details and booking information is available via the British Film Institute. Remaining screenings and events include:
On the Margins (9 March)
Re-connecting the Diaspora (11 March)
Multicultural TV in Europe, with an introduction by writer and researcher Momtaza Mehri (13 March)
A Focus on Skin with an introduction by season curator Xavier Alexander Pillai (16 March)
Birthrights: Birth of a New Talent with an introduction by director Gurinder Chadha hosted by educator Dr Kulraj Phullar (17 March)
BFI Southbank is a fully accessible venue and concessions are available. However, its always best to check in advance of your visit.
