Pioneering British Black filmmaker Horace Ove has died, his family has announced.

I hope his spirit is free now after many years of suffering with Alzheimers.

You are forever missed, and forever loved.

Horace Ové

Sir Horace OvéFairfax Media Archives / Contributor

Rest in Peace Pops, and thank you for everything.

He worked as an extra on the big-budgetCleopatra(1963) and studied at the London Film School.

His filmReggae(1971) explored Black music and reggae in the UK.

WGA West building in Hollywood