Julianknxx’s film featuring air pollution campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah was shown at an event at City Hall on Monday reports David Floyd

Julianknxx’s film featuring campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is screened at City Hall – (Credit – David Floyd)

Artists, politicians and campaigners called for action on air pollution at the screening of a hard-hitting new film at City Hall this week.

Monday’s event featured the screening of Black Corporeal (Breathing By Numbers), a film by visual artist and poet Julianknxx which blends poetry, music and narration to highlight the disproportionate effects of toxic air on communities in inner city London.

The film is narrated by Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, who became a campaigner for clean air after her nine-year-old daughter Ella died in 2013 due to the effects of air pollution in the capital.

They both joined a panel for post-screening discussion that also included deputy mayor Shirely Rodrigues and health and environment experts.

Panelists talk about raising awareness of London’s toxic air – (Credit – David Floyd)

Julianknxx explained his approach to making the film saying: “My work always starts with a poem – and an investigation with a living archive.”

He described Rosamund as: “Rosa Parks for me” adding: “Here is someone who is brave enough to trouble the waters.”

Rosamund talked about the need to broaden the discussion on toxic air, telling the audience that: “People from our community are not really part of the whole conversation.”

While hoping that the film would contribute to raising awareness she added: “It’s quite scary watching the film because people know what’s going on in my head.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has regularly highlighted the connection between London’s poor air quality and high rates of asthma in the capital – and several panelists highlighted that the effect of toxic air on Londoners was often missed in increasingly bitter debates about measures such as ULEZ and LTNs.

Responding to the discussion on Monday, deputy mayor for environment and energy Shirley Rodrigues said: “There are people who are experiencing the impacts of our toxic air but the message is not getting out there… We need you help to get that message out.”

Summing up, Julianknxx highlighted the tension between his artistic aims and the urgency of the situation saying: “I wanted to make something beautiful, I want to celebrate Rosamund – but people are dying.”

Sophia and Robert Adoo-Kissi-Debrah performing in memory of their sister Ella – (Credit – David Floyd)

The panel discussion was followed by a musical performance from Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s sister and brother Sophia and Robert, and poetry from spoken word artist Kismet Meyon.

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