Projects matching: Just

Synopsis

We follow Sam Batley a poet/photographer who admitted himself into an abstinence based recovery centre in Liverpool, where he wrote a poem about his young-adulthood of addiction. With the help of the other former addicts at the centre he turns this poem into a short film; throughout the making of this film and the practices of the centre we explore the importance of self-expression, connection and the power of art to heal. We move through each resident at the house and learn how being introduced to art, sport & culture has given them a sense of purpose and connection. Wayne, at 60's taken up acting after appearing in the film. Darren, in and out of prison, now manages a mental health football team. Zoe runs a fitness and meditation centre for women. In an impassioned speech at the premiere of the short film we learn what recovery means to Sam, “It brings hope, life and joy, not just for me but for my family too’. We then delve into the spoken-word experimental short film about Sam’s addiction, this brings clarity to the importance of the centre and the connection it brings to its residents, one day at a time.

Synopsis

An experimental animated documentary that explores the youth knife crime epidemic in London. Combining a variety of perspectives from those that have been connected to the issue, the film questions the criminal justice system, climate change and capitalism, all of which point to youth knife crime as a symptom of a wider societal problem.

Synopsis

Simmy, a modern Punjabi bride has had an arranged marriage. When her new husband, Raj does a runner after the ceremony, Simmy has no choice but to preserve family honour and start a life without her husband in bleak Britain. As Simmy tries to understand this new world, Harry, Raj’s wayward younger brother turns up from prison for home detention. Harry, condescending towards his new sister-in-law refuses to play by the rules. Both are imprisoned in the old house with Simmy having difficulty speaking English and Harry refusing to speak Punjabi. Despite her efforts, nothing seems to unite this dysfunctional family, so Simmy unhappily writes a letter home. When Simmy’s distant relatives turnup, Simmy makes a bargain with her mother-in-law: in return for keeping up appearances, Simmy’s passport is returned and she starts nursing training. An innocent love story unfolds crossing the boundaries of culture and language. As the search for Raj intensifies, Harry breaks curfew and takes Simmy on a romantic trip. Just as Harry finds the courage to tell Simmy how he feels, Raj returns to uphold his wedding vows. Must Simmy be the forgiving Indian wife that her community expects her to be and accept him?

Synopsis

Will, a frustrated animator, records a message to his mother. He explains “confessionally” that the film he was trying to make with his collaborator, Ainslie Henderson, failed. It was a film that they were making about her, after she contracted mouth cancer 5 years ago. He explains the purpose of him talking to her now, in a candid way about it, might just be the final closure his Mum and family need. Why did he invent an imaginary cat called DOM who exists only on his computer and begins to get in the way? Needing to move on, the film they shot and animated will now explain what they were trying to do. The film plays out from Will’s perspective today, a composition of thoughts, images and scenes - reflecting and editing together a letter to his mother. A self-reflective and self-referential film that blurs the lines between fiction and nonfiction. This video message or ‘letter’ to her is a device that guides the film’s narrative. As if being ‘live edited’ the film has a playful urgency, enabling the viewer to authentically experience the journey with Will and the other characters.

Synopsis

An emotive, intimate film portrait of the life and death of Northern Irish journalist Lyra McKee, who was murdered by dissident Republicans the day before Good Friday, April 2019. Directed by her close friend, documentarian Alison Millar, the film seeks answers to her senseless killing through Lyra’s own work and words. In just 29 years, she rose from working-class roots in the epicentre of war torn Belfast to become an internationally renowned investigative journalist, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten amid the euphoria surrounding the 1998 Good Friday Peace agreement. As the voice of her ceasefire generation, Lyra represented hope for a future free of conflict. Her death is another tragic milestone for a country trying to shake off the shackles of its violent past. Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2022 - Rebellions - UK premiere

Synopsis

Thirty something Indian sisters Rumi and Nina journey to London in pursuit of their music dream. But working at an Indian Takeaway wasn’t part of the plan.

Synopsis

As the Environmental Officer for Saint Helena’s doomed airport, Annina witnessed the unearthing of a terrible secret - a mass burial ground of 8,000 formerly enslaved Africans. Haunted by this injustice - and echoes of her childhood in Apartheid Namibia - she now fights for memorialisation of these forgotten victims. Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2022 - Documentary Competition - World premiere

Synopsis

A vivid dream exploration of Moira Shearer's heart and mind, just before and after she agreed to star in Powell and Pressburger's beloved cinema classic "The Red Shoes", a decision that would change her life forever.

Synopsis

Becoming a parent is a daunting time for anyone and this hard-living couple just need one more big service station blow-out before they finally settle on the right course for their family.

Synopsis

This film depicts the harrowing effect of climate change on the lives of girls and women globally, and features over 400 pieces of handmade artwork from 150 refugee and marginalised women in 17 Commonwealth countries worldwide and climate activists, these were created during ARTconnects workshops. The film calls for climate justice and presents personal accounts of how women and girls lives are directly being affected by climate change. The film raises awareness of the devastating impacts climate change has on the globe, as well as promote diversity and spark meaningful discussions on this human rights issue to promote cohesion. 

Synopsis

In a near-future world where you can discover your Death Day, an apolitical woman learns that she and many Black people have been given incorrect dates and seeks justice before her time runs out - that same day.

Synopsis

"When injustice exceeds what you can withstand, you'll do anything" This is the story of a brother and sister struggling to rebuild their lives after fighting on opposite sides of the Libyan revolution. Through one family's PTSD and quest for justice, from both sides of the conflict, we experience over the years the repercussions of intervention and the fragility of democracy. Official Selection IDFA 2021 - World premiere