This October, Lemonade Presents is set to light up Soho once again with Gifted & Black - an evening where film, art, music and industry networking collide.
At its heart, Gifted & Black is a platform: a chance to champion underrepresented voices, bring people together across the creative spectrum and spark the kind of conversations that lead to real opportunities. The night will draw filmmakers, artists, producers, agency leads and tastemakers into one buzzing space for an experience that’s equal parts culture and connection.
The evening opens with drinks and networking before moving into a 90-minute programme of short films hand-picked by a heavyweight jury of industry leaders. Once the credits roll, the space transforms - live music, DJ sets and a gallery exhibition take over, encouraging conversation, collaboration and the kind of serendipitous introductions that push creativity forward.
“Gifted & Black isn’t just an event - it’s a cultural spark,” says Corin West, managing director of Lemonade Reps and founder of Lemonade Presents. “It’s where joy, visibility and opportunity come together for Black and POC creatives who are redefining what’s next. We want people to leave inspired, connected and ready to build the future together.”
The official film line-up includes:
Part screening, part gallery, part late-night party, the event will draw film makers, producers, agency leads and creative talent for a night designed to inspire and connect. Guests will experience a 90-minute programme of short films selected from over 80 submissions by an esteemed jury representing some of the industry’s most exciting voices:
Adding extra energy to the night, the evening’s programme will be guided by the super smooth and very funny Mr Cee.
Gifted & Black is part of the growing Lemonade Presents calendar - a programme that has built a reputation for curating purposeful, industry-savvy nights with a cultural heartbeat. Over the past year, Lemonade has hosted The Female Lens (spotlighting women filmmakers), Queerness on Film (a Pride celebration of queer cinema), Animania (a love letter to animation) and Secret Sauce (director-to-director craft talks demystifying filmmaking).
The series reflects Lemonade Reps’ bigger ambition: to redefine what representing a production network can look like. Founded in 2016 by Corin West, Lemonade started as a new model for representing production companies and talent - one rooted in collaboration, agility and diversity. Now, through Lemonade Presents, that ethos lives off-screen too: creating cultural spaces that connect emerging voices with brands, agencies and established creators.
“Networking shouldn’t feel transactional,” adds West. “We’re building environments where real relationships form, where talent gets seen and where big ideas start to take shape. Gifted & Black is a perfect example of that energy while championing brilliant underrepresented talent.”
A Call for Partners
Gifted & Black is officially partnered with Black History Month and is made possible with support from forward-thinking sponsors and partners, Omnicom Production, Rohtau, Covert, All is Joy Studios, FORM, The Visionaries. A few opportunities remain for brands looking to align with one of London’s most exciting cultural nights - and a movement committed to meaningful representation.
Event details
📅 7:30pm Thursday 23rd October 2025
📍 All Is Joy Studios, 75 Dean Street, Soho, London
Press & sponsorship enquiries
Corin West – Managing Director
Katie Millington – Talent Partnerships Director
Panna Scheer – Creative & Events Coordinator
📧 enquiries@lemonadereps.com