Menelik Shabazz, a renowned filmmaker, was born in St. John, Barbados in 1954, and relocated to the UK at the tender age of six. Growing up, he was fascinated by mobile cinema screenings in his village, but it wasn't until he was 18 years old that the idea of making films truly resonated with him.
This newfound interest in filmmaking was sparked when he was introduced to the Sony port-a-pack, a revolutionary portable video technology, during his studies at North London College. This innovative technology demystified the filmmaking process, making it more accessible to him. He subsequently enrolled at the prestigious London International Film School.
Shabazz is perhaps best known for his critically acclaimed debut feature, Burning an Illusion, which premiered in 1982. The film garnered widespread recognition, including the Grand Prix at the Amien International Film School in the same year. The lead actress, Cassie Macfarlane, also received the Evening Standard Award for 'Promising Actress' in 1982.
Burning An Illusion holds a significant place in British film history as it was only the second feature film produced in the UK by a black director. The film continues to be widely studied and screened on media courses at Universities and Colleges, cementing its status as a cult classic.
