The BFI London Film Festival [1] is back with a bang this year, and its lineup of domestic and international films is seriously impressive. In particular, there have been more stories than ever before that are being told by talented, creative, and passionate Black filmmakers.

If the Reinaldo Marcus Green directed film "King Richard [2]", which earned Will Smith [3] an Oscar for Best Actor [4], is anything to go by after having its headline gala at the UK-based festival last year, then we're in for a real treat with a new set of Black directors, ready to showcase their spectacular work.

From films that have already got Hollywood talking, such as the true-life inspired drama "Till [5]" starring Danielle Deadwyler and Whoopi Goldberg, to independent movies centred on chasing the American Dream, such as "Nanny", there is a fantastic catalogue of work that is being celebrated this year at the London Film Festival.

So, if you're looking to check out some of the finest Black storytelling this year, read on to find out the best nine best stories to add to your entertainment must-watch list.

Till

Directed by Chinonye Chukwu, "Till" is set to be released in UK cinemas on 13 January 2023 and tells the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was abhorrently lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi in 1955. This emotional and gripping film depicts Mamie's reluctant activism, which became a significant catalyst for the US Civil Rights movement. Mamie is played by Danielle Deadwyler, while the cast also includes Haley Bennett and Whoopi Goldberg [6].

Nanny

"Nanny" is an absolutely brilliant debut feature from Nikyatu Jusu, which already scooped up the US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. The horror movie centres on a Senegalese woman (played by Anna Diop) who hopes her new job as a nanny will help bring her son to America. However, it isn't long before a violent presence begins to threaten everything she has fought for. "Nanny" will see a limited theatrical release on 23 Nov. by Amazon Studios before being available to stream on Prime Video from 16 Dec., 2022.

The Inspection

Filmmaker Elegance Bratton gives us a profoundly moving story about a young gay man (Jeremy Pope) who finds unexpected camaraderie and support after joining the Marines following a brutal rejection from his mother (Gabrielle Union [7]). "The Inspection", which is based on a true story, is set to have its grand UK premiere on 16 October [8] at the BFI London Film Festival, but an official UK release date has yet to be confirmed.

Saint Omer

"Saint Omer" is a French courtroom drama helmed by Alice Diop as her first narrative feature. Starring Kayije Kagame and Guslagie Malanda, the movie follows novelist Rama as she attends the trial of Laurence Coly at the Saint-Omer Criminal Court to get some inspiration for her modern-day adaptation of the ancient myth of Medea. However, things don't go as expected. An official UK release date is yet to be confirmed.

Brother

Produced and directed by Clement Virgo, "Brother" explores the themes of masculinity, identity, and family while focusing on the breathtaking relationship between Francis and Michael, two Black Canadian brothers growing up in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Ontario, in the early 1990s. It stars Lamar Johnson and Aaron Pierre.

Pretty Red Dress

Dionne Edwards brings us "Pretty Red Dress" which dissects Black masculinity within family structures, and stars Natey Jones and former "The X Factor" winner Alexandra Burke. When Travis, newly released from jail, is found wearing a red dress, his family's life begins spinning out of control. The film is soundtracked by some mega Tina Turner hits, so you'll find yourself dancing along on occasion.

Our Lady Of The Chinese Shop

"Our Lady of the Chinese Shop" is directed by Ery Claver and centres on a plastic statue of the Virgin Mary, which creates unexpected and bizarre changes in the lives of the people who encounter it on the streets of Luanda, Angola. The movie's LFF release date is 12 October [9]
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Xalé

Moussa Sene Absa's film Xalé is an unbelievably powerful tale set in two different time frames that convey the devastating fallout and guilt that can fester amongst us after making family sacrifices. Nguissaly Barry, Rokhaya Niang and Ibrahima Mbaye Tché star in the film.

Chee$e

"Chee$e" tells the story of a young Trinidadian cheesemaker-turned-drug dealer in this vibrant and feel-good rags-to-riches story. Helmed by Damian Marcano, the movie is available to watch on the streaming service BFI Player [10] from 14-23 October.