Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, in partnership with Portsmouth Black History Project and Millstream Productions, has created films to be shown during Black History Month starting Thursday 9 October.

Two films have been created featuring interviews with Marie Costa and Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald, both of whom have spent their lives advocating for others and representing communities experiencing racial discrimination.

The first film explores their experiences of coming to the city (Marie in 1969 and Honorine in 1984), and the work they’ve done to bring people together from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

For the second film to help Marie and Honorine pass the baton, young people of black heritage were invited to a forum where they discussed some of the similarities and differences they’ve experienced, and explored what it’s like to live in Portsmouth today.

Marie Costa, chair of the Portsmouth Black History Project, said: “Talking and discussing with the younger generation about the Multicultural Festival of the 1990s to early 2000s, made me feel proud to have led the multicultural group during those years.

“We have passed on the ‘baton’ of multiculturalism to the young people, and they hope to revive it as they feel that this will bring back the spirit and warmth that bring different communities together, in a joyous, free occasion, that celebrates diversity in Portsmouth.”

The two films were filmed by Hampshire-based Millstream Productions and will be shown during Black History Month UK.

The annual celebration is held every October to commemorate the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people in the UK. It aims to promote awareness and understanding of Black history and culture, and to celebrate the positive impact Black individuals have had in shaping British society and culture.

Dan Musty, Co-Founder and Community Producer, Millstream Productions, said: “It was an honour to work with Marie Costa and Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald on these films.

“Marie and Honorine have spent their lives, through many prominent roles in Portsmouth advocating for others and representing communities who experience racial discrimination through multicultural activities.

“It was our privilege to help to tell their stories through this film. We also hope that the short forum video demonstrates that others are ready to pick up the baton and run with it in Portsmouth.”

Natalie Brahma-Pearl, Chief Executive at Portsmouth City Council said: “We are proud to host this powerful Black History Month display at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, which honours the voices and experiences of Marie Costa and Honorine Djenaba-MacDonald – two remarkable women who have shaped our city’s cultural landscape through decades of advocacy and community leadership.

“Their stories, and those of the young people who are now carrying the baton forward, is a celebration of unity, resilience and the richness of our shared heritage.”

The film will be available at the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, Museum Road, PO1 2LJ, from 9 October until February 2026.

Free admission. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm (last admission 4.30pm). For more events, visit www.portsmouthmuseum.co.uk/ what-to-see-do/events