Showcasing stories of migration, resilience, and empowerment.
Celebrating remarkable individuals, this series unifies diverse community narratives. We platform inspirational women and local heroes, using soulful storytelling to honor heritage and spark social change.
Through our Be Creative pillar, we use the evocative power of film to preserve history and support local communities. By capturing heritage and community stories on screen, we empower voices, save vital cultural narratives, and inspire meaningful action through soulful documentary storytelling.
Every journey begins with a memory of home. We document the journey of women who left the shores of Cyprus, carrying nothing but their heritage and a vision for the future.
Adapting to a new land required resilience and unity. These stories capture the challenges of the diaspora as they built vibrant communities, woven into the cultural fabric of Birmingham through shared strength.
By preserving these first-hand accounts, we ensure that the triumphs of the Cypriot diaspora are never forgotten. This documentary serves as a bridge between generations, fostering empathy and celebrating our collective history.
This collaborative project celebrates the diverse female voices from the Commonwealth who have made Birmingham their home, bridging global heritage with local community. By documenting these powerful achievements, we highlight how personal stories of resilience and community connection drive meaningful social change and inspire future generations across the Commonwealth.
The documentary brings together the stories of 22 women from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific, exploring their journeys to Birmingham and the experiences that shaped their lives here. Each story captures a different perspective on migration, identity, family, work and community, creating a record of experiences that might otherwise be lost.
Queens of the Commonwealth was presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival and premiered at The Pavilion, Moor Lane, Birmingham, in July 2023. The documentary went on to receive the Royal Television Society award for Best Documentary of 2023 and is available to watch on ITVX.
Released in February 2024, Queens of Cyprus began its international journey with its world premiere in New York, followed by screenings in Nicosia, Athens, Limassol and the UK.
This 60-minute documentary brings together women from diverse generations and backgrounds, among them First Lady Philippa Karsera and internationally renowned model Sofia Hadjipanteli. Through their stories, they share varied insights into Cypriot identity, culture and accomplishments, as well as what it means to be a woman in Cyprus and throughout the diaspora. The feature-length film celebrates the resilience and strength of the island’s women and their determination to overcome every obstacle.
The documentary received the
Nostimon Imar Award
at the Cyprus International Film Festival in 2026, recognising its connection to memory, cultural identity and the idea of return.
Queens of Cyprus is a documentary celebrating the stories, achievements and experiences of Cypriot women. The film explores their connections to Cyprus, identity and life across the wider diaspora.
Explore our shared history through cinematic storytelling that captures the soul of our community.
Partner, volunteer, or donate to help us sustain these vital film projects
Collaborate on future storytelling and creative projects at lgk.org.uk/be-creative/ to keep our legacy alive.
Empowering communities through shared history and authentic representation, using cinematic storytelling to celebrate diverse heritage and preserve unique voices.
Reducing social isolation by strengthening community bonds. Our projects improve health and food access while fostering deep, lasting human connections.
Collaborate on future storytelling and creative projects at lgk.org.uk/be-creative/ to keep our legacy alive.
Join us in scaling our impact and nourishing the future of Birmingham’s local communities.