Featuring a screening of the multilingual documentary (with English subtitles)

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe

Tuesday 20 October 2026

• School Matinée Screening (10:00–14:00) For secondary schools (Years 11–13)
• Evening Screening and Panel Discussion. Assembly Theatre, Durham City Centre

This event celebrates the work of acclaimed Italian filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. It explores the presence and representation of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe, opening important conversations around art history, identity, belonging, and cultural memory.

The programme is supported by EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) funding and the STEP (Space to Explore Potential) programme. 

As a programme led by MLAC and CFLS, the event also highlights the role of languages and intercultural understanding in exploring histories, identities, and cultural encounters. The documentary is multilingual and includes English subtitles, offering an opportunity to reflect on how language shapes the ways histories are communicated, represented, and remembered.

About the Film

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe sheds light on the often-overlooked presence of African and Black individuals in Renaissance Europe, highlighting their representation in artworks by some of the era’s most celebrated artists.

The documentary invites audiences to reflect on important questions:

• How did Black Africans come to Europe during the Renaissance?
• Why were Black figures represented in European art?
• Were they always portrayed as servants or enslaved individuals?
• If the Black figures depicted in these artworks could speak, what stories would they tell us today?

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, the documentary takes viewers across the UK, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France. Through contributions from leading scholars in Art History, Black Studies, and History, alongside activists and curators, the film offers a powerful re-examination of European art history, representation, and cultural memory.

School Matinée Screening (10:00–14:00)

This dedicated school session includes a screening of the documentary, followed by an interactive programme of activities led by academic staff and student ambassadors.

The session is designed to encourage students to engage with questions of history, representation, identity, and belonging through film, discussion, and collaborative activities.

Drawing on themes from history, art and visual culture, languages, and contemporary social issues, the programme invites participants to explore the often-overlooked presence of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe and consider how these histories continue to shape understandings of identity, inclusion, and cultural memory today.

Following the screening, pupils will have the opportunity to discuss the ideas raised by the documentary, share their perspectives, and reflect on how histories are remembered, represented, or overlooked.

By bringing together pupils, university students, and staff, the programme aims to create a space for meaningful conversation, critical reflection, and a deeper understanding of the diverse histories and experiences that contribute to contemporary society.

The programme will explore themes including:

• Black Renaissance history and cultural memory
• Art history and visual representation
• Languages, translation and intercultural communication
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in schools and universities
• Identity, citizenship and belonging

Film runtime: approximately 90 minutes

Who can attend?
Open to students in Years 11–13. We particularly welcome schools and pupils interested in exploring Black history, languages, visual culture, and questions of representation, identity, and belonging.

How to Apply for the School Matinée

Schools wishing to attend are invited to complete the expression of interest form (click here)

Places are limited to 60 students and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Evening Screening and Panel Discussion

The programme will continue with an evening screening of the documentary, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session exploring themes of representation, identity, history, and belonging.

The discussion will feature contributions from invited public figures, Durham student representatives, and academic experts

Further details and booking information will be available via Eventbrite nearer the date of the event:  [link to follow]