Colour Blind
The Making of Colour Blind
(Courtesy of Tina Miles, Liverpool Echo)
An anit-racism film directed by comedian Lenny Henry and inspired by murdered teenager Anthony Walker could be broadcast on TV. The movie, Colour Blind, which was backed by the Anthony Walker Foundation and Liverpool FC, was filmed in the city and is being rolled out to schools. Film-makers are in talks with broadcasters in the hope it will be screened to the nation.
Liverpool Actors
Liverpool actors, including Neil Fitzmaurice, Cathy Tyson, Louis Emerick and Lynn Francis, were involved in the project. Director Henry collaborated with scriptwriter Tony Lindsay and producer Colin McKeown, the founder of LA Productions, to create a comedy-drama which aims to tackle racism. Henry said: “Colour Blind works in a positive way because it shows varying degrees of prejudice from unthinking silly ignorance to out-and-out violent racism. The fact this is played so skilfully by our cast presents the issues clearly. Tony Lindsey's script is sharp, funny and incisive.”
On August 5th 2009 we staged the Cinema Premier of the short film ‘Colour Blind’ produced and directed by Lenny Henry.
The film forms an integral part of our education and training workshops. The film is designed for a wide audience. It is both amusing and deeply moving, with a very powerful message.
The film, starring Liverpool actors Neil Fitzmaurice, Cathy Tyson, Louis Emerick and Lynn Francis, has been described as a ‘black comedy’ which tells the story of families and racial hatred. Lenny Henry was inspired to make the film after meeting the Walker family at the AWF Gala Dinner two years ago. He said: “It was inspiring to meet Gee and Dominique and see what they were achieving with the Foundation. There is great potential to change society for the better and I hope the film goes someway along this road.”
David Okoro, Chairman of the Anthony Walker Foundation said: “By combining a very serious subject matter with comedy, the film manages to reach out to the same young people who are the focus of our education programme. “If we can make just one person stop and think twice about the issues raised in the film then it can certainly be called a success.”
Liverpool Football Club
(A personal message from Mr Brian Hall)
Liverpool Football Club has supported the Anthony Walker Foundation since it was established. We are proud to be associated with its vision and message; tackling racism and promoting diversity through sport and the arts. The work of the Foundation to build stronger communities and create opportunities for active citizenship is a mission we all share at Liverpool Football Club; this is why we provided the funding to make ‘Colour Blind’. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation and celebrating with you the many successes to come.