I Am Judah

Film + Q&A with Judah Abundi & director Bashart Malik

Hosted by: Gwenton Sloley

A story that must be told not only because it’s shocking that this actually happened and no police officer has been held accountable.

I am Judah’, a cinematic documentary film about an Easton community elder ‘Ras’ Judah Adunbi. In 2017, police mistook Ras Judah for a crime suspect and was brutally tasered in the face while he was walking his dog. The officer who discharged the taser, was found not guilty at her criminal trial and in September 2018 was also cleared of misconduct.

If it wasn’t for Ras Judah Adunbi’s neighbour, Tom Cherry, we might never have known what really happened. Tom was there to record the incident onhis phone in January 2017.His story begs questions about how we respect, even notice other people in a modern, diverse, multiracial city.

Millions watched the phone footage on mainstream news reports and over social media causing international outrage.He was tasered while standing up for his legal right to not give his name when stopped.

Ras Judah is a beloved and highly-respected elder in his community in Bristol. The whole community remains shocked and unsettled by how he was treated.

A twist to the story is that this was not the first or the last time that Ras Judah has been a victim of police harassment and so-called 'mistaken identity'. Ras Judah is determined to speak the uncensored truth of what has happened to him, not only for himself but for all the other victims of these types of injustices.

Maintaining the integrity to tell the truth is so important in this case of “mistaken identity".

Using verbatim script, poetry and cinematography to reinforce a deeply personal narrative.The film highlights the danger of system failure, a lack of mindfulness and a closing of ranks that lead to a violent incident at Ras Judah’s home. The film isn’t a documentary expose, but a deeper exploration of the meaning of identity through one man’s eyes, with a completely independent approach. 

The film aims to engage a wide audience and send the message that institutional racism and in justice continues to be rife.

"We know unlawful acts have been conducted in this country and it’s been going on a longtime." Says Ras Judah.

"My story needs to go to people that matter: people suffering, people less fortunate.It’s for future generations coming through.”

I am Judah will bring the full story to light of a man who throughout his life has had to fight