The British Film Institute is embroiled in a court action against a Black Lives Matter activist over an alleged £216,000 sponsorship debt.
Alisha Hall, 41, and her Hall Media Group Limited are subject of a winding-up petition launched by the BFI over the large sum it says is missing.
The money was for the London Film Festival in October 2021, which was attended by Hollywood stars, and was due from Hall’s The Liberation Initiatives, it is claimed.
Such was the significance of the donation she was even mentioned in the BFI’s annual report.
Alisha Hall, 41, and her Hall Media Group Limited are subject of a winding-up petition in court
Hall founded The Liberation Initiatives after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police
At the time BFI announced of the 65th festival: ‘This year we were joined for the first time by The Liberation Initiatives as Main Partner, who supported a number of key programmes and helped in our continued efforts to make LFF more inclusive to underrepresented communities.’
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The Liberation Initiatives calls itself ‘a force for systematic change against the social & economic disadvantages faced by marginalised communities’.
It was founded in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death in America.
BFI announced of the 65th festival: ‘This year we were joined for the first time by The Liberation Initiatives as Main Partner, who supported a number of key programmes and helped in our continued efforts to make LFF more inclusive to underrepresented communities.’
Hall Media Group has told the Metro it does not believe it owes any money to any parties.
A spokesperson said: ‘We are extremely proud of the work we do for marginalised communities in the UK, and the support we have provided over the years to a variety of community groups, Black entrepreneurs, and creatives.
‘In light of the legal process underway, it would be inappropriate to comment further other than to say we do not believe the BFI’s complaint has merit and we look forward to making our case in court.’
The BFI told MailOnline: ‘Proceedings against Hall Media Group Limited in respect of sums owed to the BFI are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment whilst those proceedings remain live.’
