“We can build bridges rather than break them”: Misan Harriman, Andy Mundy-Castle, Poppy Ajudha, Afua Hirsch and Aletha Shepherd on Shoot the People

Shoot the People is the new documentary from BAFTA-winning filmmaker Andy Mundy-Castle, following the British-Nigerian photographer and activist Misan Harriman. It chronicles his journey from the world of finance to documenting global protests fighting for social change, such as Black Lives Matter and Palestinian liberation, that iconic British Vogue cover, historic as he was the first Black man to photograph for it, through to an Academy Award nomination. Furthermore, the film delves into the historical context of such protests, celebrating the generations of activists and image-makers around the world who have used their work to inspire change, through archives and interviews with the likes of Martin Luther King III, interrogating along the way the role of art in precipitating change.

We were invited down to the film’s premiere at Picturehouse Central, where we got to hear from the filmmakers, other guests and the subject himself about this vital documentary. 

Calling Shoot the People “a film about my life, but also a film about us”, Harriman told us about tracing the history of protest photography across three continents and paying tribute to the generations of activists who came before him. He also explained why kindness, rather than outrage, remains the most powerful force for change and why he hopes audiences leave knowing that every voice matters.

Following Harriman from the Black Lives Matter protests to the Academy Awards, Mundy-Castle reflected on capturing a remarkable chapter in the photographer’s life and why now felt like the right time to tell his story. He also shared the moments that stayed with him during production and explained why he believes purposeful storytelling still has the power to inspire real change.

Producer Aletha Shepherd looked back on making her first documentary, revealing how the project uncovered far more than she had expected and why Harriman’s groundbreaking lockdown British Vogue cover first made her realise the scale of his impact. She also discussed the film’s unexpectedly hopeful message and the difference she hopes it will make.

Poppy Ajudha revealed how writing the film’s closing song became an opportunity to reconnect with her own values amid an age of misinformation and division. She also reflected on the enduring power of music to inspire change, praised Harriman’s work as a source of hope and teased her forthcoming album.

Recalling her collaboration with Harriman on British Vogue‘s landmark Black Lives Matter issue, Afua Hirsch praised the photographer’s unwavering moral conviction and unique perspective. She also discussed why protest can be as much about joy and belonging as resistance, and why she hoped Shoot the People would encourage more people to stand up for what they believe in.

Sarah Bradbury

Shoot the People is released in select cinemas on 10^th July 2026.

Watch the trailer for Shoot the People here: