The BAFTA's Tout Noel as a Rising Star

Congratulations goes out to film director, Noel Clarke, who has been shortlisted for a BAFTA Award. The 37 year old actor/film-maker is listed among four others including Juno actor Michael Cera, for his gritty street drama, Adulthood. The Orange Rising Star Award will run in conjunction with the Mirror, and is the only award that is voted for by the public.  Despite the recognition though, Mr Clarke doesn't seem too confident that he'll seal the deal. He told reporters:

"I think I'm the underdog. I don't think anyone is expecting me to get it. I think people know who they think will get it. I think Rebecca Hall's brilliant so if anyone I wouldn't mind if she won, although Fassbender's great and so is Toby, so for me there's no favourite to who I prefer," he said. 

Now come on Noel, that's hardly keeping within the spirit of 'Yes We Can'. In all honesty I think he's in with just as much as a chance as anybody. Adulthood was a good film, and pretty impressive for a first time director. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in February, but I can guarantee that I won't be watching. Is it just me, or is the BAFTA's the most boring ceremony known to man? I'll make do with catching up with the highlights online. 

To vote for Noel visit www.orange.co.uk/bafta 

Adulthood released on DVD

Noel Clarke's Adulthood will be released on DVD on October the 13th. The gritty street drama is the sequel to Kidulthood and picks up with the main protagonist, Sam, being released from prison and  trying to redeem his actions of the past. I never did get round to seeing Kidulthood, but I managed to see Adulthood a couple of weeks ago and found it surprisingly compelling. Yes, it indeed panders to all the negative stereotypes of black, inner city youth, but if you can remove yourself from that for a moment and look at it in isolation, as a film it has all the right elements  - a well written script, drama & suspense, witty dialogue and convincing performances. What we need now is a more diverse offering of the black British experience on screen, following a succession of these so-called 'urban street dramas'.

But anyhoo, to celebrate the release of the DVD Noel Clarke and the Adulthood cast will meet fans and sign copies of the DVD at HMV, 150 Oxford Street, London on Monday 13 October at 6.00pm. The evening will be hosted by KISS FM's DJ Manny Norte and feature performances from Adam Deacon, Femi Oyeniran and MOBO Award nominee Bashy.