We Were Here

We Were Here explores the hidden narrative of Black presence in Renaissance art and European history. This acclaimed documentary, by Afro-European and U.S. artist-filmmaker Fred Kudjo Kuwornu, is exclusively featured at the 60th Venice Art Biennale Central Pavilion, curated by Adriano Pedrosa. Shot across Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, England, The Netherlands, and Brazil, the multilingual film reinterprets Renaissance masterpieces depicting Africans while uncovering the stories of influential Black figures of the era. It highlights personalities such as Alexander De’ Medici “The Moor,” Prince of Florence; Saint Benedict The Moor; Juan Latino, writer and scholar; and Juan de Pareja, Spanish painter. Through these rediscoveries, the film examines the evolution of racial concepts since the 16th century, bridging Renaissance studies with contemporary dialogues on race and representation. Essential for Black Studies, Art History, and European History, it provides vital context for understanding Europe’s past and present Black communities. Following its Biennale presentation, We Were Here embarks on a world tour of museums and galleries beginning February 2025.