The aim of the Drum’s Kala film programme is to exhibit films produced by local and international African, Asian and Caribbean filmmakers. The Drum is pleased to announce that it will be presenting the premier of Baadassssss.

Mario Van Peebles pays tribute to his father, pioneer black filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. The film portrays the saga of what his father went through more than 40 years ago when Melvin decided to challenge the American film industry in making the significant hit Sweet Sweetback’s Baad Asssss Song in 1971. This film represented black people in a new way on screen, different to previous slave and servant representations.

In this film we see Melvin who decides, against all conventional wisdom, to make a film about a black street hustler.The only way to do this is with independent financing, but he insists on a multiethnic crew and to throw the then-white unions off the scent, he pretends he is making a porno film.

Baadassss is followed by a 70s style after party ay Blush on Broad Street, in conjunction with Soul Fusion and Brown Sugar. The music will include soul, funk and rare groove. Tickets are priced at £7 (£5) and are available from The Drum Box Office 0121 333 2444. Or the inclusive ticket for both the film and the after party is priced at £10 available from the UGC Box Office

The film is screened at UGC Cinemas, 181 Street, Birmingham, B15 1D.

Box Office: 0871 200 2000, www.ugccinemas.co.uk