We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
Synopsis
"We Were Here" unveils the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through iconic artworks. This multilingual film, shot across Europe, challenges the notion that all Blacks were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books. The film interweaves art history with social narratives, offering a fresh lens on European Renaissance and the complex tapestry of Black presence often overlooked in conventional historical accounts.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
We Were Here - The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-10-15
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Antumi Toasijé
Self
Kate Lowe
Self
Olivette Otele
Self
Isabelle Castro Henriques
Self
Aspha Bijnaar
Self
Simon Njami
Self
Anne Lafont
Self
Johny Pitts
Self
Vanessa K. Valdés
Self
Stephen Small
Self
Paul Kaplan
Self
Jennifer Tosch
Self
Rubén Bemudéz
Self
Lucia Mbomio Rubio
Self
Jose Luis Belmonte
Self
Emir Kolfin
Self
Natasja Kensmil
Self
Isidoro Moreno Navarro
Self
Release History & Theatrical Window
Premiere at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia
Festival / Special Debut
October 17, 2025
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
- Screenplay & Story
- Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
- Original Title
- We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French, English, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, German
- Runtime
- 1h 3m
- Production Studios
- Do The Right Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Luigi Benvisto
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, Luigi Benvisto
Lorenzo Fabbri, Peter Boateng Manu, Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Department Leadership Roster
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Editor
Luigi Benvisto
Editor
Lorenzo Fabbri
Producer
Peter Boateng Manu
Producer
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Director
Luigi Benvisto
Director of Photography
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe.
More Like We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe about?
"We Were Here" unveils the untold history of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through iconic artworks. This multilingual film, shot across Europe, challenges the notion that all Blacks were slaves or servants. It reveals a diverse presence, including princes, ambassadors, merchants, and religious figures. Narrated from an Afro-European perspective, it explores stories absent from traditional history books. The film interweaves art history with social narratives, offering a fresh lens on European Renaissance and the complex tapestry of Black presence often overlooked in conventional historical accounts.
Who directed We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe?
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe was directed by Fred Kudjo Kuwornu.
Who stars in We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe?
The principal cast of We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe includes Antumi Toasijé, Kate Lowe, Olivette Otele, Isabelle Castro Henriques, Aspha Bijnaar.
When was We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe released and how long is it?
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 3m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe?
We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).