Amma Asante’s ‘Belle’ wins at Screen Nation Awards

Belle, directed by award-winning Ghanaian/British director, Amma Asante, last night won the award for Best British Period Drama at the Screen Nation Awards.

It came weeks after she won the award for ‘Outstanding Independent Motion Picture’ at the 64th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards held on Friday, February 6, 2015.

NAACP Image Awards celebrates the achievement and performances of people of color in the arts as well as those who promote social justice using the various forms of creative arts.

‘Belle’ is based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay, raised by her aristocrat uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife. Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet her status prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing.

Whilst her white half-cousin, Lady Elizabeth Murray chases her suitors for marriage, Belle is left on the sidelines wondering if she will ever find love. After meeting young Vicar’s son bent on changing society, he and Belle help shape Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

The lead role of Belle is played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who is of South African heritage.