Which was once a web series now reinvented on BBC, Dreaming whilst Black resurfaces for the mases. Dreaming whilst Black creator and star, Adjani Salmon, doesn’t hold back bringing his infamous web series to BBC. You’d think he would have to strip some features, messages and themes for BBC however the new series tackles the hardships and humor of dreaming as a black person in England.
I was lucky enough to watch the first three episodes at one of the premieres at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton. The audience including myself could not stop laughing and keep our eyes off the screen. The way the performances and direction commands your attention is like no other.
This six part series follows Jamaican filmmaker, Kwabena, as he tries to pursue his filmmaker passion whilst working a regular 9 to 5 job. He struggles to juggle both lifestyles and realises he has to compromise in one area to elevate in the other. Adjani does a great job conveying this as a fellow filmmaker I could relate to a lot of his struggles that many independent creatives and entrepreneurs how to experience. Sometimes Adjani would take a serious situation and make light of it. For example, there’s one scene towards the end of episode 3 where Kwabena script is plagiarized by a top director in the industry. Kwabena and his friends come together one night to orchestrate an email criticizing the fraudulent director that stole his script. Adjani tells us Kwabena makes light of bad situations to stay motivated and not let the negativity get to him. Something that many creatives experience especially being black.
Dreaming whilst Black walks the line of dreaming and living as a black dream chaser in London. It expresses the life adversities and the dream chasing struggles Kwabena has to juggle which creates memorable moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. It is often hilarious as it contains relatable scenes people experience such as deciding whether to pay for dinner or working in a majority white industry as a black woman. Despite what we go through as creative minorities, we still have to remain positive on our journey and hustle to the top. Our personality, good electric energy and vibes is unmatched and will take us to the end. In an industry built to make you fail, utilize that superpower because it’s one thing they can’t take away from you.
Dream whilst Black is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Written by P Rose
