The Molly Dineen Collection Volume 4: Being Blacker / Sound Business

Molly Dineen is one of Britain’s most acclaimed contemporary documentary filmmakers, known for her intimate and probing portraits of British individuals and institutions, and recipient of numerous accolades, including BAFTA, Grierson and RTS awards for documentary

Being Blacker (2018) was Dineen’s first film in a decade. It tells the story of the renowned Brixton reggae shop owner and music producer Blacker Dread, his extended family, friends and the wider Brixton community.

With the unprecedented access granted by Blacker Dread, her old friend, Dineen shines a spotlight on the struggles the film’s subjects face on a daily basis. Being Blacker offers a particular understanding of both the challenges and triumphs of family and community togetherness, as well as a unique insight into being Black in Britain.

In addition, Molly Dineen’s film Sound Business (1981), made when she was still a student, receives its very first official release. This cult documentary follows two British sound systems, the legendary Sir Coxsone Outernational (featuring a young Blacker Dread) and the (then) up-and-coming Young Lion, both based in south west London. Sound Business is a fascinating and insight look into sound system culture, as well as an important document in the history of Black British music

Special features:
– Being Blacker Q&A (2018, 31 mins): Blacker Dread, Naptali and Molly take a UK road trip and answer audience questions along the way
– Interview with Blacker Dread (2017, 39 mins): Filmed at the University of Westminster, Blacker talks about life before and during his 27 years on Coxsone Outernational sound system
– Interview with Blacker Dread and Molly Dineen (2017, 38 mins): Blacker and Molly discuss their friendship and the business of Sound Business
– Interview with Molly Dineen (2017, 27 mins): Molly talks about her early career and how a white woman came to document Black British culture
– Sugar Minott (2010, 11 mins): A short film dedicated to the memory of Sugar Minott for family, friends, fans and all the youths he inspired. Directed by Molly Dineen
– TV trailer (2018)
– Illustrated booklet featuring Director’s Statement by Molly Dineen and essays by BFI Director of Knowledge and Culture, Arike Oke and Paul Bradshaw