Exclusive Film Screening of 'Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind' with Panel Discussion

Medway Culture Club invites you to join us at the Glassbox Theatre in MidKent College, on Saturday 25th October (2pm–4pm), for an intimate screening of Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind, the acclaimed documentary directed by Nadine White.

"Barrel children" were children of Windrush generation migrants from the Caribbean who were left behind in their home countries and raised by extended family members, while their parents migrated to the UK for better economic opportunities. These children often only knew their parents through the barrels of essential goods like food, soap, and clothes sent to them as remittances, hence the name "barrel children". The term was coined by Jamaican academic Dr. Claudette Crawford-Brown. 

The film uncovers the untold stories of Caribbean “barrel children” who grew up separated from their parents, before they were reunited in Britain. It is a powerful, moving exploration of migration, identity, and resilience within the Windrush generation.

Following the screening, we are honoured to welcome Nadine White herself for an exclusive live panel discussion. This is a rare chance to hear directly from the filmmaker about her journey in bringing these hidden histories to the screen, and to take part in a meaningful conversation as we reflect on the impact of the Windrush legacy in our own community.

Nadine White is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and founder of Brixton Heights Multimedia Productions, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black perspectives through film, media and cultural storytelling.

In 2025, she was named among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Global Top 40 Under 40 in Media & Culture, an honour that reflects her growing impact on the international stage. 

Her work has been recognised by Forbes (30 Under 30), Amnesty International and the British Journalism Awards, while Nadine has also been acknowledged by the BBC and The Guardian for her contributions to British cultural and social life. Her reporting has also been cited in the UK’s Parliament, underlining her influence at the highest levels.

Known for her bold, investigative instincts and human-centred approach, Nadine’s work shines a spotlight on untold stories and the lived experiences of marginalised communities. She blends rigorous journalism with evocative visual storytelling to explore urgent themes of race, migration, family and identity.

Her critically acclaimed debut feature documentary, Barrel Children: The Families Windrush Left Behind (2023), chronicles the emotional journeys of Caribbean children who were separated from their parents during the Windrush era. 

Entirely self-produced under the Brixton Heights banner, the film stormed the UK box office, was shortlisted for the prestigious Essence Film Festival and continues to screen across the world. Through poignant interviews and rich archival footage, "Barrel Children" has become a landmark contribution to public understanding of Britain’s colonial legacy and its human cost.

Beyond her feature work, Nadine has directed and produced a slate of impactful short documentaries for major platforms including HuffPost UK and The Independent. Her films consistently foreground the voices and stories too often sidelined by mainstream narratives.

With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, Nadine brings depth, nuance and a fierce commitment to truth in all her projects. Whether through documentary, research or collaborative storytelling initiatives, her mission is clear: to honour unheard voices, spark vital conversations and use film as a force for social change.

This event highlights the importance of storytelling and oral history in preserving cultural memory, healing generational wounds, and strengthening community ties.

💸 Pay What You Can – Donations to Medway Culture Club charity are warmly welcomed to help us continue creating spaces for shared heritage and conversation. Guide price £7.50 per adult, minimum donation £1. Children go FREE, please note this film is classified U.

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