Network marks Black History Month with screening of SICKLE

Following the successful premiere at Everyman Cinema, Muswell Hill, SICKLE, the groundbreaking docufilm on sickle cell disorder, continued its impactful journey with a screening at Ritzy Picture House in Brixton on Thursday 24 October. Held in celebration of Black History Month, the event aimed to raise awareness and educate both healthcare professionals and the public about the realities of living with sickle cell disorder.

The event, which drew around 250 attendees, was hosted by Stuart McGunnigle, Network Manager for The Red Cell Network, and Lynette Charles, CEO of Mind in Haringey and Chair of Mind in London, who also leads Black Thrive Haringey. Their efforts were part of a larger initiative to confront the knowledge gap surrounding sickle cell disorder and to highlight the importance of culturally informed support within healthcare.

Following the screening, the audience engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring key contributors to the film. The panel included Sarah Babalola, the project lead for the Give Blood Spread Love campaign; Stephanie George and Charlie Buckle, patient advocates, and stars of SICKLE; and Anton Forde, the docufilm’s Producer. Each panellist shared personal insights and experiences, underlining the critical need for accurate awareness, empathy, and improvement in healthcare responses for sickle cell patients.

The evening was facilitated by SELSE HCC, whose shared commitment to haemoglobinopathy patient engagement provided a foundation for this event, underlining the importance of local community involvement. The collaboration between SELSE HCC, Black Thrive Haringey, The Red Cell Network, and a team of dedicated volunteers helped ensure the night’s success, furthering the film’s mission to break down the stigma and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disorder.

Audience feedback from the evening indicated a deep appreciation for the film’s portrayal of the challenges faced by those with sickle cell disorder. This powerful docufilm, Directed by SMILA1TAKE was praised not only for its informative content but also for its emotive storytelling, which offered a rare and honest look into the lives of individuals living with this condition.

Building on this momentum, SICKLE will continue its journey across England in 2025, reaching new audiences and bringing greater visibility to the often-overlooked needs of sickle cell patients. The final screening of 2024 will be held on December 6th at Cinema City Picture House in Norwich, marking another significant step in the docufilm’s ongoing mission to educate and inspire change.

Find out more information on SICKLE and upcoming screenings.