Imagine a documentary dedicated to defending free speech getting shut down by the very institution hosting its premiere. Sounds like something out of a dystopian novel, doesn't it? But here's the shocking reality: that's exactly what happened to our film, 'Think Before You Post,' at Rich Mix in east London. And this is the part most people miss – it's not just about us; it's a stark reminder of how the fight for open dialogue is under siege from those who claim to champion inclusivity.
You'd assume that cancelling a film exploring the perils of speech restrictions would reflect poorly on a cultural hub. Yet, that's precisely the choice Rich Mix made. We had everything lined up for the launch of our documentary on November 25th, which delves into the alarming trend of 'speech police' in Britain – think of it as overzealous authorities cracking down on opinions, even when they're far from hateful or discriminatory. But just last night, an email arrived terminating our agreement.
The message explained, 'Upon further review since your booking was confirmed, we've discovered that the film's content and featured speakers clash with our core principles at Rich Mix.' Their mission? To uplift marginalized groups, especially those battling racial injustices, promote cross-cultural harmony, eradicate racial biases, and ensure fair access to arts and culture. For those new to this topic, 'speech police' refers to entities – often government bodies or tech platforms – that enforce strict rules on what can be said, sometimes stifling legitimate debate under the guise of protecting vulnerable communities.
If you've seen the documentary, you might be scratching your head at this. The film spotlights individuals who've faced arrests, legal actions, or even pre-trial detention for so-called 'speechcrimes' – allegations that stem from expressions that aren't remotely prejudiced or harmful. Rich Mix argued that the event's true nature wasn't revealed during booking, even though the documentary was freely available online at the time we reserved the space, and all Q&A participants were clearly featured in it.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are venues like Rich Mix inadvertently becoming gatekeepers of acceptable narratives, prioritizing their version of 'values' over free expression? It wouldn't shock me if this mirrors broader trends in the arts world, where 'woke' critics – those hyper-focused on political correctness – often overlook the essence of free speech. The email's sender even included pronouns in their signature, a nod to modern sensitivities that some see as essential inclusion, while others view it as another layer of ideological enforcement.
Tragically, this isn't our documentary's debut into censorship territory. On X (formerly Twitter), it's been hit with age restrictions (check out this link for more: https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/10/28/our-documentary-about-censorship-is-being-censored/), courtesy of the UK's repressive Online Safety Act, despite lacking any material unfit for younger audiences. This law, aimed at curbing harmful content, has been criticized by free speech advocates for its broad scope that can silence critical voices.
We could pat ourselves on the back for being vindicated by these events – after all, they prove our film's point about rampant censorship. Still, it's a hollow victory when it means missing out on a lively screening, insightful discussions with our contributors, allies, and most crucially, our dedicated fans.
For ticket holders, hang in there. We're hustling to secure an alternative venue for the same evening. If that doesn't pan out, we'll issue full refunds and reschedule for a future date. (If you'd prefer a refund right away, just reach out, and we'll handle it promptly.)
Regardless, we're resolute in refusing to be muted. The heart of 'Think Before You Post' – advocating for unrestricted speech against suppression – has never been more vital. Even when it clashes with the 'sacred' tenets of places like Rich Mix.
Don't miss your chance to view 'Think Before You Post,' the film they tried to keep hidden, right here:
Tom Slater is the editor of spiked. Follow him on X: @TomSlater (https://twitter.com/TomSlater_)
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What do you think – does this cancellation highlight a dangerous slide toward stifling debate in the name of protection, or is it a necessary safeguard for marginalized voices? Could this be interpreted as cultural institutions enforcing their own biases under the banner of equality? We'd love to hear your take – agree, disagree, or share a counterpoint in the comments!
