A documentary on Nigerian-British photographer and filmmaker Misan Harriman has opened in UK and Irish cinemas, following its release in the United States.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, attended the UK premiere of the film with Harriman, who is also the Chairman of London’s Southbank Centre.
Chairman, Lady Maiden Ibru, Chief Strategy Officer Anita and daughter Alexa – 3 generations from the same family – were proud to witness a truly monumental moment in time for a fellow Nigerian together, and urge every Nigerian to watch this film.
“The documentation of Misan’s work passed the test that the greatest films tend to pass: an impact was made on the soul audibly, visually and narratively speaking. Indeed, Film is the most immersive form of media delivery, often provoking the greatest empathy, and everyone in the cinema was moved,” Anita said.
The 90-minute film, titled Shoot the People, is directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Andy Mundy-Castle, described by Anita as ‘a modern-day directorial genius’.
The documentary follows Harriman as he documents global protest movements and the work of grassroots activists fighting for equality, civil rights and social justice.
It also explores how photography, interviews, historical context, and digital activism help preserve the memory of movements that have shaped public conversations around the world.
Speaking in the documentary, Harriman voiced that he believed in the power of solidarity and empathy, adding that photography was his own way of contributing to activism.
“I’m not a world leader. I’m not a politician, but this is how I play my part,” he said.
He added that taking photographs was only a small part of the process, saying most of the work came from being present in the moment.
Harriman, who was born in Nigeria, has become one of the most recognised visual storytellers of his generation.
Reflecting on his younger years in the United Kingdom, he said he struggled with belonging and often felt different while growing up in the countryside.
“When you are young, you do not want to feel different. You do not want people to keep reminding you that you are not like them,” he said.
He added that comments about where he came from affected how he saw himself at the time.
Harriman made history as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of British Vogue’s September issue, in the magazine’s 104-year history. The issue was titled Activism Now.
He is also known for documenting the Black Lives Matter protests and for his portraits of public figures, including Rihanna, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett.
His 2023 short film, The After, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
Harriman reflects on his commitment to human rights and social justice, explaining how his photographs of pivotal moments in contemporary history have become a tool for preserving memory and driving change.
Shoot the People was produced by Doc Hearts and distributed by Watermelon Pictures.
Its director, Mundy-Castle, is the Founder of Doc Hearts and has worked on projects including White Nanny, Black Child, Jimmy Akingbola: Handle With Care, Lenny Henry: The Commonwealth Kid and The Fade.
The production team also includes Producer Wyn Baptiste, Editor Maeve O’Boyle, Director of Photography Johann Perry and Executive Producer Joanna Natasegara.
The documentary also features contributors including Martin Luther King III, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Kumi Naidoo, Kate Hudson and Professor. Ben Carrington.
Through Harriman’s lens, Shoot the People presents photography as more than art. It frames it as a record of protest, memory and resistance, showing how images can keep the stories of ordinary protesting people alive, long after the headlines fade.
