We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe (film screening)

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe

Join Ghanaian-Italian filmmaker, artist, educator, and Dan David Prize 2025 recipient Fred Kudjo Kuwornu for an introduction to, and screening of, his groundbreaking documentary We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe. The film screening will be followed by a discussion and audience Q&A.

We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe explores the presence and contributions of Africans in Europe during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, offering a fresh interpretation of Renaissance paintings, archives, and historical figures. The documentary offers an opportunity to explore the often-overlooked African presence in Renaissance Europe while engaging with broader contemporary discussions about race, belonging, citizenship, and the making of European culture.

Film running time: 63 minutes

The film lasts 63 minutes and was presented at the Central Pavilion of the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, the most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions in the world. In 2026, the documentary became Academy Awards 2026 (Oscars) eligible for Best Documentary Feature.