Ari Kamara Wins British Art In Motion Award

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Bermudian filmmaker Ari Kamara has won first place in the British Art in Motion competition for their film about Mary Prince.

A spokesperson said, “British Art in Motion is a highly selective annual filmmaking programme for undergraduate students who have an interest in art and visual culture, and in alternative ways of sharing research. Each year, the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art [PMC] invites undergraduate students from across the UK to pitch a five- to seven-minute film about a piece of British art or architecture.

“From these proposals, eight participants are selected to take part in a summer filmmaking residency at the PMC, designed to give them the skills and support to bring their ideas to life.

“With a production budget of £500 and their newly acquired skills, participants then spend the rest of the summer researching, shooting and editing their films. This year’s programme was judged by Jyoti Mistry, Martin Myrone, Lynda Nead and Sarah Victoria Turner.

“The judges awarded first place prize to Bermudian filmmaker and University of Kent student, Ari Kamara [pronouns: they/them], for This Woman Does Not Exist, a film about Mary Prince.”

Explaining the motivation behind the film, Ari stated: “I made this film because I am interested in how we, as artists, Black folk and humans, reckon with these dark parts of our history. I hope any of you who watch it come away with new understanding, questions and hopefully an impulse to learn more about the complex history of those who, like Mary Prince, resisted the Atlantic slave trade through their actions and their commitment to defining themselves for themselves.”

Reflecting on the achievement, Ari added, “I am incredibly grateful that my first film was able to win the honour of first place in the British Art in Motion competition. It was many months in the making, with research, animation and poetry writing.

“I must extend thanks to Kimathi Donkor, the artist whose work inspired my film, for creating such a beautiful and touching piece and for agreeing to be interviewed for the film. My thanks also to the archivists at the Bermuda Archives for their help with the research material, and to Amiya Bean, who voices Mary Prince in the film. Thanks also to musicians @snobpocket @lunerrey for their help with the soundtrack, as well as Sai Aryal and Nai who helped with other aspects of the film process.

“A special thank you and acknowledgement to everyone at the Paul Mellon Centre for their support and guidance, together with my fellow student filmmakers in the British Art in Motion programme. A spokesperson added, “The film can be seen at: https://www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk/learning/baim-2025-participants.”

Photo courtesy of Greta Zabulyte