London, July 14 (IANS): The British Film Institute (BFI) has launched Black Star, a series of events and screenings that the organisation claims is “Britain’s biggest-ever celebration of black screen actors".

The programme, which will run from October 17 to December 31, will be a season of film and television dedicated to celebrating the range, versatility and power of black actors, reports variety.com.

“With Black Star we are celebrating great performances and bringing them back to the big screen for everyone to enjoy," Heather Stewart, Creative Director of the BFI, said.

"And we are also asking searching questions, of our industry and of ourselves, driven by a passion to meet the expectations of audiences who rightly expect to see their stories and aspirations reflected on screen,” Stewart added. 

Black Star programmer Ashley Clark shared that it will show many stories of black stardom on both sides of the Atlantic. 

“From cinema’s earliest trail-blazers to today’s transatlantic stars, I’m excited for audiences to enjoy icons, heroes and heroines back on the big screen where they belong,” Clark added.

The programme will have more than 275 screenings and events in more than 90 locations across Britain, delivered through the BFI Film Audience Network and its partners.