“Fortitude” is an interview-led film, documenting the stories and societal perspectives of Black Londoners.
The conversations that result detail the role race has played in the lives of the involved individuals and how— despite the many differences that exist amongst them — similar encounters with racism and the resulting implications have affected every aspect of their existence.
The hope is to drive the audience to better understand the ramifications of these occurrences on the communities in question, and to promote dialogue regarding the best means, both collectively and individually, by which to address these issues.
The entire cast, crew and partners have generously donated their time free of charge to this documentary, therefor any proceeds raised will be going to The Black Curriculum charity.
Please help us continue in our quest to continue the conversation around racial inequality and provide education to those in need. No matter how small, all proceeds will be helping Audax, Treehouse Films, and The Black Curriculum continue in our mission to create a better and more empathetic society.
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Aaron Porter is a singer and songwriter hailing from Haywards Heath, Sussex in England. He released his debut EP "Expectations" at the end of 2019, which received acclaim within the underground pop scene as well as looks from more mainstream platforms including BBC and Billboard. He has played shows across the UK and Europe, as well as performances for Adidas and YSL Beauty events. Aaron is currently working on new music.
Andrea Thompson is Editor-in-Chief at Marie Claire UK and has overseen the transformation of the magazine from a print to digital-first brand over the past year. During her 20 year career, she has built a reputation as a skilled investigative journalist through her involvement in a series of groundbreaking stories including undercover probes into the sexual exploitation of women in the film industry, Indian child labour, and even the business dealings of one Donald Trump, more than a decade before his presidential bid. Andrea belongs to the committee of the British Society of Magazine Editors, where she looks after education and inclusion and is passionate about increasing diversity in the media industry.
Ayo Dada, originally from Ibadan, Nigeria is a London-based Project Manager and the Community Captain at Adidas Runners London. In both of these endeavors his passion for transforming people lives is reflected. As project manager, he assists up and coming entrepreneurs to start and scale their own start-ups and through his Community Captain position he is a leader of a global running community with the aim of supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds to become better athletes.
Candace Simpson is a 29 year old mixed race mother of 2, born and raised in Shepherds Bush, West London. After graduating with a degree in Arts Management & Performance Arts, she went onto work in the broadcasting industry entering as an intern at both Rinse FM and The Beat London FM. She eventually became the senior station producer at the latter, presenting her own show, “The Vibe” every saturday morning and producing and recording her own podcast, “Cool Name for a Podcast” together with comedians Travis Jay and KG tha Comedian. She simultaneously garnered experience in the corporate world whilst working with the Coalition Talent music agency, where she managed a touring circuit for acoustic music, and she’s currently pursuing a master's degree in Entertainment Law, which she plans to put to use in the furtherment of her various endeauvours in the field.
Dinah is a 17 year old student of Ugandan descent, born and raised in London. She is currently in her first year of sixth form studying drama, sociology, and psychology whilst simultaneously starting at right back for the “Most Wanted Elite” football club and learning how to drive. Her aim is to pursue a career in acting; in both TV and film.
Dr Elwina Timehin was born in Newcastle, England and is both a mother and a Consultant Audiovestibular Physician at St. George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In 2014 she became the Clinical Lead for the Department of Audiology and Audiovestibular Medicine.
Jessica Simpson (Jess) is a West London born and based tattoo artist who is one of the prominent faces of the vibrant UK ink scene. After getting her first tattoo on a trip to Columbia as a teenager, she discovered an affinity for the art form and upon her return to London, began learning under local artist Daniel Casone. This affinity was equated with natural talent and Jess quickly made a name for herself, allowing eventually for her work to be found on the bodies of countless notable figures in the worlds of music and sport; including ASAP Rocky, Wizkid, Hector Bellerine, and Andre Grey, to name a few. Jess has also recently joined the cast of the VH1 hit TV show “Black Ink Crew,” where she will be a regular.
Kristof Skhosana, born in rural Limpopo Polokwane Sehlakwane, South Africa is a professional dancer and performer who currently presides over a role in The Lion King West. During his time in South Africa, he worked with multiple dance companies, most notably the Kelsey Middleton Contemporary Dance Company, through which he gained eligibility to compete in the “Cape Town International Ballet Competition,” where he received Gold in the “contemporary’ category. He has since received a contract with the Joburg Ballet Company, considered by many South Africa’s top ballet troop.
Misan Harriman is a Nigerian born, English educated photographer, curator and activist. From documenting historic moments in history, such as the Black Lives Matter movement in London, to photographing high profile people, including Kate Winslet, Stormzy, Tom Cruise, Lewis Hamilton, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. His commissions include advertising, editorial and high profile portraiture as well as reportage documenting and covering behind the scenes at major awards, music festivals and film sets. In 2020 Harriman was the first black man to photograph the cover of British Vogue’s September issue in its 105 year history. His images have also been featured in Vanity Fair, GQ, The Guardian and The Observer Magazine. He is also the founder of https://www.whatweseee.com a curated platform for enriching film, music, poetry and art. Which has a community of over 8 million people.
The Nova Twins are a punk rock duo consisting of Amy Love and Georgia South, who both hail from Southeast London. Notorious for turning heads in all of their endeavors, they’re collectively acclaimed as innovative in not only their musical output but in every element of what they do as artists; from designing and producing their own outfits for all photoshoots and stage-wear, to the art direction of their music videos and everything in between.. Their modus operandi is to take socio-political experiences from their day-to-day and turn it into something their fans can get lost in.
Ade Tokunbo, Henry Pedro-Wright (TK) is a London born and based artist who began to make a name for himself first, in the world of fashion, as a model. In addition to work with a wide array of acclaimed worldwide clients, he most notably was the first Black model to ever walk for Prada. Before modeling, and since taking a step back from that world, TK has pursued the fields of photography and cinematography. In the former he has been involved in projects with ID magazine, Henry Holland and many more. As for the latter, TK is the son of the late actor / screenwriter Ilario Bisi Pedro, who in his own right pioneered breakthroughs for Black actors in the UK. Ilario left his son numerous finished scripts, which he plans on turning into future film projects once he feels he has properly honed his craft.
Ron Timehin is a London born and based professional photographer and Sony Imaging Ambassador. Specializing in cityscape and portrait photography, Ron has established a varied client list consisting of commissioned work for brands including Apple, Mercedes Benz, Prada, and Google, to name a few. Timehin’s work has been included in several publications such as GQ and The Evening Standard, and his own solo photography collection entitled “London Fog”, released in 2019, was featured as one of The TIMES Photography Books of the Year.
Sabrina Elba born in Montreal, Canada, of Somali descent, is an activist and model who has been featured on the covers of Vogue, Dujour and Harrods Magazine, reaching audiences worldwide. Sabrina debuted on British TV as a presenter for Good Morning Britain in August 2019 and was formally announced as an UN Goodwill Ambassador for IFAD earlier this year. She is passionate about gender equality and supporting issues related to the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.
Saul Ramson-Williams is London born and raised, but of Guyanaese, Jamaican - British heritage. He graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2010 with a degree in English. Saul now works in the fitness space for boutique chain of Gyms 1Rebel as Head of Product, looking after the studio across the estate and as Master Trainer teaching all three concepts - Ride, Reshape & Rumble.
Stephen Odubola is a South London raised and based actor and director best known for his lead role in the acclaimed drama “Blue Story” (2019) as well as the short film “Lost in Mozart” (2016) along with many others still yet to release. A product of the Identity School of Acting, he made his directorial debut in 2020 with the film “Two Neighbors” a BLM concept with a twist.
William Adoasi, entrepreneur and philanthropist from London, is the founder of Vitae London. Vitae translates to life and a percentage of every watch sold is channeled towards providing key educational resources for underprivileged children around the world. William has been featured on the likes of BBC, CNN and TEDx and his watches can be found on the wrists of some remarkable people including Richard Branson, Ava DuVernay & the President of Ghana.
