Glasgow-based artist Christian Noelle Charles is working with the festival this year as a Film Hub Scotland New Producer, helping to devise, organise and deliver our Focus on Film programme. As part of this paid placement, she has curated Remember 2 Replenish, a powerful immersive screening event that explores the lived experiences of Black women and the value of self-care and resilience. Here she tells us about her inspiration and hopes for the event.

Remember 2 Replenish comes from a deeply personal space. As a Black woman navigating the complexities of the world, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, I’ve felt the weight of emotional strain, burnout, and the constant pressure to prove my worth. The pandemic magnified these challenges, highlighting how Black women, in particular, are often overlooked when it comes to care, support, and space to simply be.

This event was born out of the need to address this void, and share the space of reflection—a space where self-care, rest, and healing are prioritised for Black women. We live in a world that often demands we carry its weight on our shoulders, and in doing so, we forget to care for ourselves. ‘Replenish’ is a word that resonated with me because it speaks to revitalisation and the conscious act of investing in self-care. It’s not just about survival—it’s about thriving, about replenishing our spirits so we can continue to love deeply, feel joy, and demand more from all aspects of our lives, as Audre Lorde so powerfully said.

Through the films featured in Remember 2 Replenish, we delve into the lived experiences of Black women across the African diaspora, exploring themes of resilience, self-worth, and the emotional toll of societal pressures. These films speak to the often invisible struggles we face, offering a moment of collective healing, recognition, and solidarity.

This event is more than a screening—it’s an invitation for Black women to gather in a space that centres their experiences, validates their emotions, and encourages them to reclaim the rest and care they deserve. And for the public to acknowledge the institutional constructs that weigh down on Black women and how they could give space in order to heal. I want Remember 2 Replenish to be a moment where we come together as a community, not just to reflect on our shared challenges, but to celebrate our resilience and to acknowledge that self-care is an act of resistance.

The programme includes:

Savannah (drama) d. by Anita W. Addison (1989), 30m  

Savannah follows Whitney James, an aspiring model grappling with the harsh realities of beauty standards shaped by whiteness. As Whitney’s past haunts her, she embarks on a journey to reconnect with her true self—her soul, Savannah. This film delves into the emotional toll of striving for acceptance in a world that often overlooks the humanity of Black women. 

RESET (experimental) d. by Alberta Whittle (2020), 30m 

Filmed across Scotland, South Africa and Barbados during the height of the pandemic, RESET is a poignant exploration of personal healing amidst global crises. Alberta Whittle interweaves profound imagery with themes of xenophobia, contagion and moral panic, reflecting on the Black Lives Matter movement, colonialism and the ongoing climate emergency. The film invites viewers to consider how we cultivate hope in hostile environments, blending moments of grief, reflection, empathy and desire. 
 
Expensive Sh*t (drama), d. by Adura Onashile (2020), 15m 

Inspired by real events in Glasgow’s nightlife, Expensive Sh*t tells the story of Tolu, a Nigerian toilet attendant who is forced into a moral dilemma at a Glasgow nightclub. The film highlights themes of women’s liberation, exploitation and the harsh realities faced by those working in oppressive conditions. Through Tolu’s experience, viewers are confronted with the difficult choices that arise when survival is at stake. 

Together, these films provide a comprehensive exploration of the challenges Black women face in society—whether it’s conforming to oppressive beauty standards, navigating systemic racism, or surviving under exploitative working conditions. Each film is a reminder of the need to prioritize self-care, healing, and community support as acts of resilience and empowerment. Remember 2 Replenish creates a space where these stories can be shared, understood, and honoured, making it a powerful call to replenish both our spirits and our communities.

Remember 2 Replenish takes place on Thursday 17 October (5-6.30pm) at
CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow. Book tickets at tikt.link/replenish.

A Sistah’s Screening – a relaxed screening for the Black, POC Women, Non-Binary community – is on Saturday 19 October (2-3.30pm). Please email Christian at cnoellecharles@mentalhealth.org.uk for tickets.

The Focus on Film programme runs from Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 October in Glasgow. Explore the programme and book tickets here.