Britain to hold 'Black Baftas'

Britain's black film and television stars walk into the spotlight tonight with the staging of the first "Black Bafta" awards.

The inaugural Black Filmmakers (BFM) Film and Television Awards is expected to heap accolades upon some of Britain's best known personalities.

It is hoped that the ceremony, at the Meridien Grosvenor House, Park Lane, will match the popularity of the Mobos (Music of Black Origin Awards).

The Mobos started out in 1996 as a modest way of recognising the contribution made by music such as reggae, R&B, dance, and jazz. They are now seen by a worldwide audience of about 200 million and are supported by music stations such as MTV.

Around 700 guests are expected for an event which will be split between awards for British television performances and international screen awards.

Former Arsenal and England footballer Ian Wright, who presents Friends Like These, has completed a successful transition to the television world by securing a nomination for Best Presenter.

Lenny Henry is to receive an honorary award for his comedy and charity work.

In the international film categories Denzel Washington and Halle Berry look set to dominate once again by taking the male and female awards.

A lifetime achievement award will be given to Pam Grier, star of Seventiesblaxploitation films such as Foxy Brown. Grier became known to a new generation of film fans when she starred in Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown. Her roles have provided inspiration for the character played by Beyonce Knowles in the latest Austin Powers film Goldmember.

But one of the biggest success stories of the night is likely to be the BBC's Baby Father series.

The show, which depicts the experiences of four Brixton bachelors, has nominations in the best male, including Fraser James and David Harewood, and best female categories. Baby Father screenwriter Avril Russell, who also secured a nomination in the emerging talent category, said: "Black people have generally been starved of images of themselves in mainstream media.

"We still experience that 'come quick, there are black people on television' syndrome in this day and age because media acknowledgement of us is fleeting."

Among those presenting awards will be Eriq La Salle who played Dr Benton in ER, Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick Trueman in EastEnders, and comedienne Angie Le Mar.

BFM awards spokeswoman Lorna Holder said: "This is the first ceremony-of its kind in this country and we plan to hold it on an annual basis."

Tonight's awards spearhead the BFM International Film Festival, which started on Friday, and will be hosted by Brenda Emmanus.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is a celebration of black world cinema. More than 60 films by black film makers from around the globe will be shown during the 10-day event.

Screenings will be held at cinemas across London before the event tours the country. For booking information telephone 0870 50 50 007 or visit: www.bfmfilmfestival.com.