News release: 16 May 2023
Soho Media Club has announced Actor, Comedian, Singer, Television Presenter and Writer Sir Lenny Henry is set to give a Fireside Chat at the 2nd edition of its annual festival of media culture, BE YOU on July 13th, 2023 in Soho.
Praising the festival which exists to accelerate positive change in media culture, Sir Lenny Henry said, “I want the next wave of talent to feel inspired and empowered about building a career in film and TV and feel confident that their voices will be heard. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and stories, but I also am keen to hear from the younger talent and have an honest conversation on how we can create a safe and equal industry – that’s why I am excited to be part of Soho Media Club’s BE YOU Festival this year.”
Soho Media Club’s Resident MC, Muki Kulhan will lead a dynamic discussion between Sir Lenny Henry and an industry rising star to challenge the status quo, compare and contrast generational experiences and explore what we can all do to improve culture and drive positive change.
Co-founder of Soho Media Club, Tomasz Witkowski says, “We are excited that Sir Lenny Henry, who has long been an advocate for equal rights and representation, will be opening the BE YOU Festival to talk about paving the way for positive change and increasing diversity on and off screen. The conversation is going to be fresh and fun, so be prepared for a few surprises.”
This year’s BE YOU Festival tackles a whole slate of topics which address media culture, including why authentic storytelling and representation matter, how young filmmakers can get their foot in the door, curating a culture of belonging for young intersectional identities and advice on how to call out toxic behavior.
New to the programme this year, is also an exclusive “Ask Me Anything” session, where anyone, including new and rising talent, have the opportunity to hear industry experts share their personal career stories and ask the panel for invaluable advice.
Moderated by industry trailblazer, Jasmine Dotiwala, “Ask Me Anything” will feature a stellar panel:
Mobeen Azhar, Presenter and Journalist
Fatima Salaria, TV Executive
Melvin Odoom, TV and Radio Presenter
Co-founder of Soho Media Club, Jaisica Lapsiwala says, “This is Soho Media Club’s second edition of the BE YOU Festival and it’s back with a bang! Along with covering topical themes and bringing inspiring speakers to the stage for panels, interviews, workshops and a Festival Party, we are building an active community of talented changemakers to move the dial and change the narrative of the media industry.”
BE YOU is designed to spark honest conversations about the whole slate of film, TV and multimedia cultures, including the visible and hidden challenges of diversity, inclusion, belonging wellbeing, having your voice heard and inspiring and nurturing this and future generations of talent.
A dynamic mix of over 200 industry heavyweights and fresh newcomers come together in Soho to passionately discuss the challenges of media culture and celebrate successes. Everyone attending is encouraged to participate in frank discussion, get stuck into candid conversations, share ideas and express themselves, so that attendees leave feeling empowered and armed with ideas, inspiration and contacts.
BE YOU takes place on 13th July 2023 in Soho, London. More information and tickets are available at www.sohomediaclub.com/beyou
About Soho Media Club
Soho Media Club, founded in 2018, is a free members network designed to bring together the film, TV and media communities to share stories, exchange ideas and collaborate, with one goal in mind – to create amazing content for our screens. Our ethos is built on being a diverse and inclusive community, where everyone has a voice.
Through our in-person events, video content, articles and podcasts, we bring together a community of over 2000 change-makers to connect with each other and facilitate honest discussions about the media industry and how we can spark positive change.
Follow Soho Media Club on Social:
· Instagram: @sohomediaclublondon
· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sohomediaclub/
· Twitter: @sohomediaclub1
· For more information and to book tickets visit the Festival website https://www.sohomediaclub.com/beyou