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Maya Simeon

A music and media professional, Maya's resumé includes her work in journalism, PR and marketing as well as radio presenting - in addition to championing the UK gospel industry over the past 8 years

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosted the premiere of ‘Malachi’ recently; a ground-breaking new film which turns the spotlight on Sickle Cell Anaemia. Industry luminaries and invited guests were in attendance at the central London headquarters, and received the film with great applause.

  This poignant short, written and directed by Shabazz L.
  Graham (photo), is a day-in-the-life narrative of 7 year old
  Malachi.

  Being diagnosed with Sickle Cell, the young boy is faced with
  life and death issues and endeavours to discover the answers to
  his many questions; his wide-eyed journey being documented
  on film with a video camera.

  Made in association with the Sickle Cell Society, a fundamental
  aim of ‘Malachi’ is to raise public awareness on the disease and
  dismiss its' surrounding myths, including it not simply being a
  concern for the Black community, but highlighting the fact Caucasians can also be carriers.

The celebrated Mr Graham, whose credits include MTV and Nickelodeon, had incubated the idea of this film for many years and describes the development process of this project as a labour of love. Filmed on location on the streets of south London and Westminster during August 2008, ‘Malachi’ was shot in just six days and was in post-production for 18 months.

He spoke about his debut feature film: “I feel very privileged being able to share this with the world. My goal is to ensure the message reaches the widest audience possible.”

Following its' premiere at BAFTA, ‘Malachi’ was screened at Cannes and is also scheduled to be showcased at various other international film festivals, including Raindance later this year. Shabazz and his team hope such opportunities of introducing their short to the global industry will provide avenues to obtain financial backing to develop it into a full-length film.

Ann Welsh, Chairperson of the Sickle Cell Society UK, was present at the BAFTA screening.and addressed the audience. In her speech, she expressed her delight in regards to ‘Malachi’, especially in light of the fact a film being made about the disease is an unprecedented feat.

Mrs Welsh also shared the historic news that as a result of the organisation lobbying the government, the U.N. has recognised the seriousness of the disease, thereby declaring June 19th will now be World Sickle Cell Day.

In addition to the film promoting awareness of Sickle Cell Anaemia, a soundtrack was also produced in support of the charity and the premiere of 'Malachi' was an opportunity to launch the album. The 18-track compilation features an original score by composer Luke Corradine, plus songs from artists including Priscilla Jones, Guvna B and Michaela The Poet, who also had a leading role as the Malachi's mother. All proceeds raised from the sales of the film's soundtrack will go to SCSUK.

Mr Corradine said: “It’s been an absolute honour to work on this collaborative project, and with such passionate people. This beautiful film inspired me to write the score and hopefully ‘Malachi’ will be an inspiration to others on many different levels.”

In addition to portraying the experiences of the central character though his film journal, the storyline also deals with topical themes including gang culture, single parenthood, interracial relationships, plus the concept of love.

‘Malachi’ was produced by OH Films, a subsidiary of OH TV. This family entertainment network broadcasts inspirational and cutting-edge content on Sky channel 199, and the film strand of the company is dedicated to bringing pioneering stories to screen.

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Yinka Awojobi

Founder, UKG/ UKGospel.com group of sites. 

I really didn't want my picture here, but I'm bowing to pressure.

George Luke

Freelance journalist, all-round nice guy.

Has a weird obsession with international gospel music.

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