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.

It was always stressed that the contacts you make during your training are incredibly important, and your classmates are likely to end up being on set alongside you in the future. After working with a director of photography on one of the School’s short films, I was invited to work on a project with him outside of Bristol - proving that the professionals we meet via the School, may one day give us a call to action! Muir McFadden, Technical Graduate
Thu 05 Jun 2025 - Sat 07 Jun 2025
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Deposit/Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again.