Screenshot of students performing in I Can't Breathe

‘I Can’t Breathe’ – This is the cry of my people

Published on:
21st January 2021

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd, a band of artists created pieces using their mobile phones to share their feelings concerning the inner sorrow of police brutality, injustice and systemic racism.

Multiple students & alumni from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School have created ‘I Can’t Breathe’, which premiered this week.

The short film is written & directed by BOVTS student Lionelle Nsarhaza and features BOVTS alumni Kel Matsena, Denzel Baidoo, Issam Al Ghussain, Ben Prusiner.

Speaking to the School, Lionelle said, ‘The team and I hope that this piece allows people to reflect on their livelihood, and through its poetic prose, raise some questions. It is not to cause a divide but form unity through reflection.’

You can read an interview with Lionelle in Bristol 24/7.

‘I Can’t Breathe’ is available to watch now.

One of my favourite parts about BOVTS is that it feels ‘homegrown’. From the set to the costume, lighting, acting and sound, every single aspect of a theatre production or film is down to the students. The location of Clifton is so serene and the School being so small everyone knows each other and it feels so personal and special. Violet Morris, BA Professional Acting Student