Projects in genres: Black

Synopsis

An observational documentary about Natty, a 19-year-old from Birmingham, who has just been released from prison, where he was sent for violent crime. Will financial and peer pressure lead Natty back into gang crime? Through the course of filming, Moby Longinotto raises difficult questions - should we be observing these lives and if and when should we be getting involved?  

Synopsis

Two young men, desperate to escape the politically volatile Ivory Coast, embark upon a European journey seeking their fortune. They dream of one day returning as triumphant heroes. However, one is deported and returns empty-handed, cast aside by his family and friends. The other, running from the authorities, makes it to London where he hooks up with a young, white bisexual woman. Captivated, he follows her on to Paris amidst the throng of an underground music revolution. Ultimately this takes him home to Africa, his dream fulfilled - but at a price far greater than he ever could have expected.

Synopsis

Coloring the Media begins with the premise that since the invention of the camera, Native Americans were the very first people to be documented either in photographs or in moving pictures. This film explores this journey as European Americans used the camera as a propaganda tool to depict native peoples in America as less than human. Through the development of stereotypes, and inadequate research, early films depicting native peoples set into motion a language of film that is still being used today. This language came to affect all peoples of colour around the world as they were often portrayed as ignorant or noble savages whose only good was to make the European look superior, civilized and just in their cause - which was more often than not the civilization of the savage. By using contemporary films such as Smoke Signals; and documentaries such as Healing the Hurts and Spirit combined with interviews with Native people, Coloring the Media takes us on a journey and asks how the past can affect the present and shape the future for Native Americans and also for people of color. As Black and Asian people living in Britain speak about their experiences and the struggles they face today, we see how the language of film set into motion in the early 20th century still plays an important part in the portrayal of people of colour. Coloring the Media offers a refreshing investigative insight into the past and present. For future generations it offers a solution of change through the voices of people, and asks one important question: 'What is it going to take to make this change happen, now, today?'  

Synopsis

Julius has lived in London nearly all his life and has witnessed the city changing. Life hasn’t been great, but now he’s up for promotion. He’s worked for the company for 15 years and thinks he has a good chance of landing the job. But he also has a secret which threatens to jeopardise everything - his daughter has charged him with abuse. Things begin to go wrong for Julius when he is made redundant and finds himself on the scrap heap: 55 years old, divorced, unemployed and facing jail. As far as he’s concerned life isn’t worth living and he decides to end it all. But then he meets an Angel and decides to take her with him as he says goodbye to the city he loves. This sets off a chain of events that not only jeopardises his case, but also the very life he wishes to end. With nothing to lose, Julius’ unfulfilled dreams become the battleground for a journey of discovery that delves into his fractured mind and the underbelly of his urban environment, forcing him to face the demons that beset him and the realisation that sometimes it’s harder to take the easy route.

Synopsis

When a menopausal Miss Jamaica is shat on by an elephant, she decides to ask her cheating husband for a divorce.  

Synopsis

Three boys power play with a gun. Gravity is a short film that deals with the detached nature of gun violence, and how actions and responsibility are often very disconnected.

Synopsis

One day, at the end of her tether, a mother invites two neighbourhood girls over to befriend her lonely 11 year old son. Even she is surprised at the result - This is a warm, touching, funny evocation of childhood.

Synopsis

A telling, lyrical, comical, rites-of-passage tale. At 13 Sam, Daryl and Carl think the best way to get gal and bare money is to cook good. If their Mums’ can do it, they can do it. But it’s when you think you can do something easily, that life gives you a size nine kick up the bum.

Synopsis

"Street kids are hard to rehabilitate. They are used to their freedom, they behave the way they want. They smoke and take drugs. The street is the only life they know... So it's very difficult to tell these kids what to do."   Shot on the streets of Dakar, Senegal.

Synopsis

South Africa, 2000. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has arrived in Smitsrivier, opening a window onto a bloody past, and dragging three people in its wake. Sarah Barcant, hotshot New York lawyer, has returned to her old hometown to help a torture victim confront his tormentor. Alex Mpondo, now a celebrated politician, has found himself back where he was 18 years ago - reliving his ordeal and hoping to expose the truth.  And Dirk Hendricks, ex-police officer and torturer, has been brought out of jail to confess his crimes before the Commission. A compelling drama about the secrets of the past and the healing of a wounded country.

Synopsis

A yardie gangster, a corrupt politician and an ex-cop battle it out to get their hands on a multi-million dollar haul of cash. Poetically brutal and intriguingly sexual, this is a dark tale of mystery and suspense set against a backdrop of the inner city streets of London. Everybody wants to be a ruler!

Synopsis

Welcome to the 21st century. A story of England told from inner city London. Set amongst a landscape of police wagons and estate blocks. Trapped in a world where hate breeds hate. A story seen through the eyes of four young multi-cultural friends. One city. One weekend.