We Were Here: Film Screening and in Conversation

'We Were Here' unveils the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe.

The film interweaves art history with social narratives, offering a fresh lens on European Renaissance and the complex tapestry of Black presence often overlooked in conventional historical accounts.

After the screening, there will be a discussion and Q&A with Director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu and historian, writer and presenter, Dr Onyeka Nubia.

The event will be chaired by Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History.

About the film ' We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe ' (2024) was exhibited at the Central Pavilion of the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale.

It is winner of Best Documentary at the 2026 Black Reel Awards.

The film sheds light on the overlooked presence of African and Black individuals in Renaissance Europe, highlighting their depiction in masterpieces by some of the era’s most celebrated artists.

It asks the questions: How did these individuals come to Europe? Why were they portrayed? Were they truly all servants or enslaved? If the Black faces depicted in these Renaissance masterpieces could speak, what would they tell us? Film runtime: 63 minutes Good to know Entry to this event is via the rear entrance to the museum on Lothian St from 18:30, not the Main Entrance on Chambers St If you have questions ahead of the event, please contact publicevents@nms.ac.uk Our speakers Accessibility and facilities We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.