RUSS HENDERSON: THE PAN MAN

The story of a steel pan pioneer who helped shape Notting Hill Carnival.

A 22-minute documentary telling the story of Russ Henderson MBE, the Trinidad-born jazz pianist and steel pan pioneer whose music and influence became part of the early history of Notting Hill Carnival – told in Russ’s own words.

Russ Henderson’s story

Russ Henderson: The Pan Man tells the story of Russ Henderson MBE, a Trinidad-born jazz pianist and steel pan pioneer whose work helped shape the development of steel pan in Britain and the early years of Notting Hill Carnival.

Recorded when Russ was 85, the film gives him the opportunity to tell that story in his own words – from his musical roots and the growth of steel pan in Britain, to the people, places and traditions that helped build Carnival.

A piece of Black British cultural history

Russ’s story sits at the intersection of music, migration, community and cultural change. His contribution to steel pan and Carnival forms part of a wider history of Caribbean influence on British music and identity.

The film preserves first-hand testimony from one of the people who was there as that history was being made.

Mike McKenzie’s connection to Russ

Director Mike McKenzie knew Russ personally and had played drums with him before becoming a filmmaker.

That relationship gives The Pan Man a personal connection as well as a historical one, allowing the film to capture Russ not simply as a cultural figure, but as a musician and storyteller reflecting on his own life and legacy.

SEE THE FILM

Watch the trailer for Russ Henderson: The Pan Man and find upcoming opportunities to see the film through screenings, festivals and cultural events.

More than a screening

Russ Henderson: The Pan Man can be used as a starting point for conversations around steel pan, Caribbean heritage, Black British history, music, migration, community and the origins of Notting Hill Carnival.

Screenings can be combined with filmmaker Q&As, talks or wider cultural programming, helping audiences connect Russ’s first-hand story with the broader history and legacy of steel pan in Britain.

Screening and partnership opportunities

MAD4 Films can bring The Pan Man into a range of settings, including:

• Cultural and heritage events
• Community screenings
• Educational screenings
• Museum, gallery and archive programmes
• Music and steel pan events
• Black British history and Caribbean heritage programmes
• Film festivals and documentary events
• Q&As and filmmaker discussions
• Partnerships and public programming

Who is THE PAN MAN for?

Particularly relevant for:

Steel pan communities · Caribbean communities · Carnival audiences · Black British history audiences · Music audiences · Schools and universities · Museums and archives · Cultural organisations · Community groups · Documentary and film audiences

>> Enquire about bringing The Pan Man to your audience

Mike McKenzie is an award-winning filmmaker, musician and educator. He knew Russ personally and had played drums with him before becoming a filmmaker.

That connection helped shape The Pan Man as both a documentary portrait and a personal record of Russ’s life, music and legacy.

Denis Collen supports the development, partnerships, screenings and wider opportunities around The Pan Man, helping connect the film with cultural organisations, communities and audiences.