Menelik Shabazz is an Award winning film director, producer, and writer – known as a key pioneer in the development of contemporary black British cinema. Born in St. John, Barbados in 1954, he has lived in the UK since the age of five. From an early age Menelik watched mobile cinema in his village in Barbados, but didn’t entertain the idea of making films until age 18.

Menelik is best known for his acclaimed debut feature Burning An Illusion, which won the Grand Prix at the Amien International Film Festival in 1982. The film also won the lead actress, Cassie Macfarlane, the Evening Standard Award for ‘Promising Actress'(1982). Burning An Illusion was only the second feature film by a black director produced in the UK. The film continues to be shown today on media courses at Universities and Colleges and has become a cult classic.

Menelik Shabbazz, Husband, Father, mentor, Trailblazer, and founder of the Black Filmmakers magazine in London, sadly departed this earth June 28th, 2021
His good friend Floyd Webb was gracious enough to share this tribute to Menelik to be shown during the Cinema for the Culture screening of his documentary Lovers Rock. May his gentle Soul Rest In Power!!!
The  full tribute by Mr Webb will be screened during the screening of his film.