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Dreaming Whilst Black - Episode Guide

Season 1

The Dream

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (26 min)

The Dream

Kwabena is an aspiring film-maker working a dead-end job in recruitment. When he bumps into Amy, an old friend from film school who has just returned from three years in Nigeria, she offers to pass his script, Jamaica Road, to the development team at the production company where she works.

But life isn't as simple as all that, and Kwabena may have to make some sacrifices in order to pursue his dream.

The Reality

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (25 min)

The Reality

In a bid to raise funds for his film, Jamaica Road, Kwabena struggles to balance moonlighting as a food delivery driver.

His romance with Vanessa continues to grow stronger, despite their differing film tastes, but Kwabena can't help but feel a little inadequate in comparison to his new girl.

The Friends

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (25 min)

The Friends

At a diversity mixer, Kwabena and Amy meet Timothy Eastly, a prominent (and very white) industry exec, famed for producing successful films and TV shows...with black talent. Kwabena lays on the charm - enough to get Timothy to read his script and to consider him for a writing gig.

Meanwhile, Amy continues to struggle with microaggressions at work and Maurice carries on excessively worrying. He thinks they should go vegan for the health of the baby, but Funmi has other ideas.

The Birth

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (22 min)

The Birth

Funmi's due date is fast approaching, meaning Kwabena is desperately trying to find somewhere new to live - but given his financial situation and the housing crisis in London, it's proving difficult.

When Funmi goes into labour, a nervous Maurice is more on edge than ever. Doctors at the hospital refuse to take Funmi's concerns seriously, and her life may well soon hang in the balance.

At home, Kwabena's aunt, Stephanie, is worried about her son Dorvin - a cheeky, aspiring rapper who has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Stephanie asks Kwabena to pass on Dorvin's CV to his old recruitment colleagues in the hope of keeping him out of trouble. Kwabena promises to help.

With everything going on, Kwabena is forced to reconsider his priorities and realises just how important Vanessa is to him. Is it too late for him to confess his true feelings?

The Pitch

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (26 min)

The Pitch

After the birth of baby Mayowa, Kwabena moves back home with his mother, Grace. He feels like a teenager again with a list of chores – but he needs to earn his keep if he wants to live in her house.

After bumping into Dorvin again, Kwabs realises his cousin really is hanging out with the wrong crowd. He half-heartedly promises to help Dorvin with his music – agreeing to film a music video – but he fails to act quickly enough...

Despite her objections, Amy's company makes a tone deaf, racially offensive advert which goes viral and faces an embarrassing public backlash. Embarrassed and broken, will Amy take up an offer from Kwabs?

The Premiere

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Jul 24, 2023 (22 min)

The Premiere

Kwabena and Amy have finally made their film, and Kwabena is now focussed on getting agents to come to the screening with the hope of being signed.

Kwabena is riding high after finally showcasing his film, which has gone down brilliantly with old friends and important guests from the film industry, and he finally receives an offer that makes him feel like he has taken the first step towards achieving his dream.

But after facing some harsh words from his family, Kwabs' joy is cut short as he is left wondering whether he has sold out his morals in his search for success.

Specials

Pilot

Episode: S01 Special | Airdate: Apr 26, 2021 (26 min)

Pilot

Kwabena has been stuck in his dead-end recruitment job for way longer than he initially planned. He spends the majority of his time in reveries of accomplishing his dream: to be a filmmaker. When he bumps into Amy, an old friend from film school who is now working at a production company, he gets the chance that he's been waiting for. Unfortunately, the once-in-a-lifetime pitching opportunity clashes with an important presentation Kwabena has to deliver for one of the recruitment company directors.

Already on a warning for his slack performance, Kwabs knows that if he bails on the presentation, he is likely to lose his job. But this pitch could also be the first step towards following his dream.

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