A short documentary honouring the life, vision and legacy of James Alexander.
The Homemaker is a short documentary film by Joanna (Amara) Alexander, created in tribute to her late father, James Alexander, the first Black Caribbean man to establish a housing association in Ilford in 1969. The film offers a poignant reflection on his fight for housing equality, the founding of Trinity Housing Association, and the lasting legacy of his work within the community.
Blending personal history with a wider social story, The Homemaker is a celebration of activism, family and the power of change. It invites audiences to reflect on how one man’s vision helped shape homes, opportunity and hope for others.
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Synopsis
The Homemaker offers a poignant glimpse into the journey of James Alexander, the first Black Caribbean man to establish a housing association in Ilford in 1969. The film explores his fight for housing equality, the founding of Trinity Housing Association, and the enduring legacy of community resilience. A celebration of activism, family and the power of change, The Homemaker invites audiences to reflect on the impact of one man’s vision in shaping a better future.
Poster and Promotional Materials
Screenings, Exhibitions & Recognition
Since its release, The Homemaker has been presented across museums, galleries, community spaces and public platforms, reflecting its cultural significance as both a film and a record of Black British social history.
1. Screenings & Exhibitions
Victoria and Albert Museum, London (2025)
Moments Away From Home: Migration on Film and in Words — Screening and filmmaker talk
Moments Away From Home: Migration on Film and in Words — Screening and filmmaker talk
Museum of the Home, London (2024)
Featured in the permanent Rooms Through Time (1878–2049) exhibition
Featured in the permanent Rooms Through Time (1878–2049) exhibition
Redbridge Museum, London (2024)
Permanent installation of The Homemaker in the newly refurbished gallery
Permanent installation of The Homemaker in the newly refurbished gallery
Shelter UK, London (2023)
Screening, presentation and Q&A, with the project also featured in a national research report
Screening, presentation and Q&A, with the project also featured in a national research report
Redbridge Library & Museum (2022 & 2023)
Black History Month screenings and exhibition
Black History Month screenings and exhibition
Soundminds (2024)
Community screening
Community screening
Voices from the Windrush (2024)
Theatre storytelling adaptation
Theatre storytelling adaptation
2. Awards & Media Recognition
Caribbean Windrush Film Festival (2023)
Shortlisted for Online Best of the Fest
Shortlisted for Online Best of the Fest
Redbridge Black History Month Legacy Awards (2023)
Winner — Property & Homes (James Alexander)
Winner — Property & Homes (James Alexander)
BBC Radio London – Eddie Nestor Show (2023)
Featured filmmaker for Black History Month
Featured filmmaker for Black History Month
3. Acknowledged and Utilised By
The work has been acknowledged and utilised by organisations including Rider, Levett, Bucknell (Europe), NHS, Redbridge Libraries, Independent Age, Essex County Council, and a range of heritage and community partners across London and surrounding counties.
4. Audience Feedback
The Homemaker has resonated with audiences across community, cultural and heritage spaces, prompting reflection on family, housing, legacy and social history.
“Wonderful and deeply important.”
“An exceptional pioneer — simply a legend. He must be fully recognised.”
“Personal, informative and urgently relevant.”
“A moving way to learn about a Caribbean figure who helped shape community life.”
