Keeping you up to date
We were thrilled to launch our BFI Film Academy this September. Although there have been challenges to overcome when delivering a course that was previously entirely face-to-face, predominantly over Zoom, we are thrilled at the commitment, creativity and resilience our young participants are showing.
In their time with us they have gained hands-on experience with industry standard filmmaking equipment, been guided by industry professionals, had masterclasses with Sophie Littman (Director), Mick Audsley (Editor of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, no less!) and our very own Deb Richardson. In these uncertain times, they have even been able to make films!
We have been overwhelmed with the high quality of work the participants are producing in their Arts Award blogs, screenplays and in their filmmaking. We look forward to seeing their finished film at the end of the month and are delighted that some participants are making plans to work with us is the future.
Here are some pictures of group 1 and 2 filming 'Bad Job', written by Richard Addison.
On September 1st we re-opened the Engine Room. Our Café manager Ania had been working tirelessly to develop a new and delicious vegetarian menu, decorate the café and put safety measures in place.
The result was a successful re-opening. We saw the return of café regulars, our drop-in sessions with technical manager Dan Gale resumed, and our room hires we're underway once again.
Of course, anyone visiting us would have noticed some changes. Our café tables, for example, we're socially distanced with shields separating them, all staff members wore PPE and antibacterial wipes were placed in each room. We didn't feel worried that any of our fellow community members would be put off by these changes, we knew that you would take them in your stride, knowing it was for the best, and we were right!
Although we have had to close the Engine Room temporarily, once again, we feel reassured and inspired by the every single person that came through our doors or connected with us digitally over the past months.
The times are changing, but our community remains strong. We are moved by the support we have received and delighted at the extent to which our Arts Council Recovery Fund success was celebrated.
Of course we are sad to have closed our doors once again, but we remain hopeful, knowing that we'll be back.
Please note that although our building (including the café) are closed at the moment, we remain busy delivering online courses, workshops, activities and events through which we aim to continue to support, engage and communicate with you through. You can find out more here.
With gratitude and hope,
Alisa Čengić, Assistant producer
Somerset is full of talented young people who, during lockdown, expressed themselves creativity through art, dance, rap, poetry and much more.
Last month, we collaborated with Somerset based Youth Charity Young Somerset on Creative Me. We invited young artists to record and share their creativity with us, so that we could shine a spotlight on them.
Young Somerset works towards “encouraging them (young people) to take responsibility for themselves and become actively involved in shaping the communities in which they live”. We, Somerset Film, are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through film and digital technology.
At the beginning of August, with our dream team assembled, we were ready to see what Young Somerset had been up to.
We asked young creatives to submit their work on our website or via email, accepting all forms of art and creativity; films, music, painting, poetry and anything else you can think of!
We also asked them to answer one or more of the questions below (as many as they liked!). They were free to express their answers through their art or simply drop us an email:
How have you stayed creative during this time?
How does it make you feel when you dance, sing, make art?
What are your creative arts dreams/aspirations for the future?
We we’re absolutely thrilled with the submissions received. If you missed out on this opportunity and would still like to take part please email your contribution (art or answers to questions above) to alisa@somersetfilm.com.
We are currently planning an online Open Day for young creatives in Somerset. This will be an opportunity to find out more about what we do at Somerset Film and for young people to ask questions. We will also be featuring the brilliant contributions received.
Be sure to follow us on social media, as we’ll be posting the official date and further updates as soon as everything is in place! We're on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
In other creative news, check out the Let's SHiNE Together 2020 video, edited by Somerset Film's Dan Gale.
"Let’s SHiNE Together is our online alternative to the Octagon’s annual community performance platform, SHiNE. Each year SHiNE is our chance to celebrate and showcase local talent with performances from local dance schools to the Octagon’s very own Choir, offering a platform to people of all ages to perform on our regional stage."
Thanks for reading, we hope to see you soon, online or in person!
Alisa Čengić,
Assistant Producer
Alisa, our assistant producer writes….
When I found out that I had successfully secured the position of Assistant Producer late last year, I was thrilled because I knew I’d be working within the film industry supporting communities/individuals to express themselves creatively and because I’d be working for a company that shared my passion for our planet. As the Social media lead for Somerset Film, I was excited to get the go-ahead on dedicating a whole month to #PlasticFreeJuly. Our work at the Engine Room is all about education, community and technology. I quickly got stuck in to using technology to teach myself and our followers about the plastic free community/movement.
We engaged with #PlasticFreeJuly through our Instagram page using the following hashtags:
#MovieMonday - Each Monday we recommended one film about Plastic Pollution. "Film can be a powerful educational tool, especially for children with disabilities and from deprived backgrounds".
#TipTuesday - On Tuesdays we posted plastic free tips. Although focused on tips for filmmakers/ industry professionals they were applicable to all.
#WednesdayWisdom - Wednesday's were all about motivational quotes to help inspire us to act. "Reading an excerpt or a line of text that offers a new perspective or idea to your own set of thoughts, beliefs, and understandings can spur further ideas in you, and back up the ideas you’re already forming". - creativelive.com
#ThrowBackThursday (#TBT) - On each Thursday of the month we posted films produced by Somerset Film that relate to plastic pollution/ climate change. Many of the films were made by young people and are absolutely brilliant! You can find them on our YouTube page.
#FridayFeeling - Each Somerset Film employee is passionate about our planet and we're enjoyed sharing some of our thoughts and feelings with you.
I thoroughly enjoyed the research process for each post, as I was able to expand my knowledge on the subject, but what was most exciting was audience engagement. I was delighted to see that some of our followers were learning alongside us and spreading the word too! It was also amazing to find out that every single Engine Room staff member was already taking steps in their day to day life to reduce plastic and actively looking to learn more about the subject.
As movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #DressLikeAWoman prove time and time again, Social Media has the power to bring us together, educate us and aid us in creating change. Here at the Engine Room we are passionate about supporting good causes and are always looking for new ways to support each other, our community and the planet.
Alisa, our assistant producer writes...
In June 2020 our focus was on Pride month. To celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride I used our instagram platform to spotlight LGBT films.
I broke our celebration down as follows:
Week 1: LGBT films featuring the black community
Week 2: International LGBT Cinema
Week 3: LGBT Youth
Week 4: LGBT films featuring people with disabilities/ health conditions
I used each letter in SOMERSET FILM CELEBRATES PRIDE as a 'learning point' e.g. E is for Equality to provide information and encourage others to celebrate pride with us.
Somerset Film is a proud champion of equality, inclusion and diversity. As Pride month comes to a close we want to ensure that we remain committed to and engaged with the LGBTQIA+ community and are currently working on exploring partnerships with local community organisations.
Our Pride celebration can also be seen on our Instagram page!
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- TED defines success as ‘feeling that tingle of excitement about what you do, sticking with what matters through hard times and living a life you can feel proud of in retrospect. MORGAN is a film about a gay man who becomes paralysed from the waist down, falls in love and explores his passion for racing.
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- ‘When people see representation of themselves in media this can foster a greater sense of affirmation of their identity’. High demand for content of streaming platforms is resulting in an increase in original and inclusive content. SPECIAL is a Netflix series based on the memoir ‘I’m special: and other lies we tell ourselves’. This unique and positive series about a gay man with Cerebral Palsy has been described as ‘honest and genuinely affecting’.
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- LGBT individuals with disabilities remain underrepresented. Here are 5 ways in which LGBT people with disabilities are affected today: 1. Limited access to inclusive and accessible spaces 2. Bullying and exclusion 3. Added barriers to employment 4. Overrepresented in juvenile and criminal justice system 5. Invisibility within both communities CRIP CAMP is a doc about Camp Janed, a summer camp for teens with disabilities. It is a film about resilience, allies and the importance of government legislation.
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- Creative exploration can build resilience, bring comfort and provide a sense of purpose. Exploring artistic pursuits can stimulate the mind, invigorate the body and has been proven to increase wellbeing. VENUS is a short documentary film exploring disability and empowerment through drag. The film follows Sophie (Venus Dimilo) as she tells the story of how her creative exploration led her on a journey of empowered self- expression. It also focuses on her experience of being a woman in a male dominated culture.
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- Reacting responsively to the experiences of LGBT individuals and people with disabilities/ health conditions allows us to implement change that is logical, efficient and appropriate. This is best done, not through making assumptions, but through liaising with professionals, and most importantly, through having conversations with the community. THE WAY HE LOOKS is a Brazilian, Portuguese language film about Leo, a Blind teenager who finds himself stifled by his overprotective parents. Supported by his friend, he passionately plans to study abroad. His emotions soar higher still when a new student (Gabriel) sits behind him and a friendship develops.
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- ‘Various studies have confirmed self-esteem has a direct relationship with our overall wellbeing’. People with disabilities who identify as LGBT are a minority within a minority. Developing an awareness of how occupying this unique place in society might affect an individual’s self-esteem can help us address issues with as LGBT and Disability erasure. RICK is a short documentary film about a Deaf porn actor who has chosen to live a life that challenges some of the limitations imposed by society.
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- ‘Lack of accessibility pushes disabled people further from the community’. As allies, understanding the challenges people with disabilities face as well as educating ourselves about invisible/ temporary disabilities allows us to better support the community. MARGARITA WITH A STRAW is a drama about an Indian teenager with cerebral palsy who moves to the US to pursue her education. It’s a film about bisexuality, ‘disabled sexuality’ and independence.
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- Tolerance as the willingness to accept behaviour and beliefs that are different from your own, although you might not agree with them. ‘LGBT people have seen a rise in tolerance in almost every region of the world over the last decade…however, the community still face considerable persecution. TOMBOY is a French drama that tells the story of 10 year old, gender non-confirming Laure who spontaneously decides to present as male when misgendered by a girl in the neighbourhood. Indie Wire called the film a ‘great celebration of the excitement and freedom of childhood, that also explores the confusion of growing up and terror of being and finding out who you are’.
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- A trans female is a woman who was assigned male at birth. Some trans people experience gender dysphoria and some transition. transitioning can include HTR and (sometimes) gender reassignment surgery. GIRL is a French language drama about a Trans teenage girl pursuing her dream of becoming a ballerina. Although Girl won the Camera d’Or and Queer Palm at Cannes it received much criticism for casting a cis-gendered male actor and focusing intently on the physical aspects of transitioning. However, many defended the film, including dancers who stated that the films obsession with the body was reflective of their experiences as artists.
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- The intersex society of North America defines intersex as ‘a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive & sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit ‘typical’ definitions of male or female. Intersex people continue to face discrimination both socially and medically. ARIANNA is an Italian indie coming of age film filled with mystery, driven by curiosity and imbued with the history of societal treatment of intersex people. this retrospective and touching gender study is one to watch.
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- There are many lesbian stereotypes, some ‘positive’ and some ‘negative’. It’s important to remember that both can be harmful. Labels can help up navigate a space or situation but they can also be reductive and lead to assumptions. PARIAH according to Indie Wire ‘mixes the coming out and coming of age story and pitches it against the backdrop of an African-American family adapting to the shifting cultural sexual tides’. This film is deeply affecting, exciting and beautiful. It was awarded the excellence in cinematography award at Sundance and the New York Times said watching the protagonist is to ‘experience the thrill of discovery’.
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- During our lifetime we make an immeasurable number of choices. they can be as small as choosing which socks to wear, and as big as choosing to live a life that is authentic. Although choices are often seen as an expression of free will, when faces with a difficult one, it can feel like we don’t have one at all. BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER is a satirical comedy about a young lesbian who is sent away to ‘True Directions’, a gay conversion or ‘deprogramming’ camp. This film released in 2001, has become somewhat of a cult classic due to it’s pop aesthetic and cameo by drag superstar Ru Paul.
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- For some people, coming out is a positive and identity affirming experience. For others, it can cause anxiety, increased risk of isolation, homelessness and assault. There are many factors such as race, culture and religion that can impact a person’s coming out journey. hiding your true identity can be a struggle, impacting many aspects of an individual’s personal and professional life. LOVE SIMON tells the story of a gay teenage boy who is dealing with an anonymous blackmailer threatening to expose his sexuality. All the while, Simon is also trying to figure out who the anonymous classmate is who he has fallen for.
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- Conversion therapy aims to remove a person’s feelings for the opposite sex or change their gender identity. There is no evidence that this form of ‘therapy’ works, however, it has been proven to be dangerous. CT is legal in the UK, althgouh many health providers have signed an agreement not to practice it as they have deemed it unethical. THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST tells the story of a young woman who is forced to undergo Conversion therapy by her homophobic family. It’s a story about friendship, adversity, gender, love and independence.
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- A study published in 2018 found that being in a romantic relationship reduced the negative psychological effects of LGBT related victimisation for gay and lesbian individuals, highlighting the importance of teaching healthy LGBTQIA+ relationship skills. GOD’S OWN COUNTRY is a British drama which was the only UK entry featured in the world drama category at Sundance in 2017. Fitting of the Yorkshire landscape, this film is as tender as it is harsh. This love story between a young British farmer and a Romanian worker has poetical qualities which are expressed through beautifully crafted imagery as well as gentle expressions of affection.
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- To elevate means to raise something or list something up. Understanding LGBT intersectionality (e.g. race/ disability) makes us better allies. Understanding our privileges (or lack thereof) means that we’ll be better at identifying when it is our duty to elevate the needs of others above our own. AND BREATHE NORMALLY is an Icelandic social-realist drama about the treatment of refugees and LGBT community. The Icelandic backdrop is appropriately dramatic, reflecting the rough edges of poverty that the characters are navigating.
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- Butch is a term used in LGBTQIA+ culture to describe a person who expresses themselves in a typically masculine way (masculinity in this context is of course what we make it). Bitch women are not men, unless they transition to male. BOYS DON’T CRY landed Hillary Swank an Oscar as well as backlash for being a cis-gendered woman playing a trans man. This film explores the intricacies and challenges of being trans and focuses on romantic intimacy and the impact of hate crimes.
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- Romantic orientation describes an individual’s pattern of romantic attraction based on a person’s gender(s) regardless of one’s sexual orientation. A FANTASTIC WOMAN is a Chilean drama. The film follows a young transgender woman as she faces unexpected allegations when her older cis-gendered lover dies suddenly. This is a film about alienation, love, trans rights and trans inequality.
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- ‘Straight ally’ is a term used to describe heterosexual people who believe LGBT people should experience full equality. Good straight allies recognise they are responsible for working alongside the community to create a culture where everyone can be themselves. 120 BPM is a French drama about the AIDS activism of ACT UP PARIS during the 90s. The film follows a group of young activists as they take on the government and pharmaceutical companies through a series of protests. Empire magazine describes the film as ‘a celebration of what it is to be alive, second by second – what it is to feel, fight, to love and to dance.’
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- The first London pride march took place in 1972. However, icons of gender non-conforming partners date back as far as 7000BC. Although LGBT terminology has come into the social consciousness over the last 70 years or so, LGBT existence is not new. SHOW ME LOVE premiered in 1998 and is thereby arguably ‘outdated’. however, there is something timeless about this coming of age love story. This film portrays life as an LGBT teenager during the 90’s so authentically that the retro aesthetic only enhances the watching experience.
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- Empathy is a doing word and can be a form of activism. ‘taking ton the internal and emotional state of others enables the pre-social behaviours of community that build unity and peace’. MA VIE EN ROSE is a Belgian drama that challenges gender norms and highlights the significant role of empathy, or lack thereof, plays in our mental, emotional and physical development.
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- Understanding LGBT wellbeing starts with acknowledging the history of oppression and discrimination that continues to place the community at a higher risk of mental health illness, homelessness, hate crimes and domestic abuse. HAPPY TOGETHER is a Hong Kong romance film deicting a gay, toxic relationship through intimately portrayed scenes of deception and passive agression. The film explores identity, confinement and marginalisation.
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- A data privacy breach can carry severe implications for an LGBT individual such as losing their job, jeopardising relationships as well as increasing risks of threats and physical harm. THE COLOUR PURPLE is a highly regarded piece of feminist literature and the 1985 film adaptation received multiple Oscar nominations. A significant theme within the film is Celie’s journey of self-discovery. Getting to know yourself is significantly more challenging when your privacy is not being respected.
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- Receiving respect is important. When you feel respected you are more likely to feel safe and are able to practice self-expression with more confidence. Being respected also teaches us how to respect others. MISSISSIPPI DAMNED is a film based on true events. Understanding respect starts at home. This film explores the cyclical nature of domestic abuse, addiction and violence.
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- Inclusion values diversity and provides people with equal opportunities as well as building meaningful relationships. Inclusion means listening to other points of view. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK promotes inclusivity through: 1. diverse casting 2. Diverse characters 3. Empathy led narrative 4. Humanising imates 5. Advancing Trans visibility 6. Challenging heteronormativity and homo/biphobia
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- The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect, encouraging us to honour each other’s differences. As the poet and activist Maya Angelou said ‘it’s time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength’. PARIS IS BURNING is a culturally and aesthetically significant documentary exploring drag and ballroom culture in New York during the 80s. This film shines a light on the impact of racism and classism.
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- Gender expression is how a person outwardly shows their gender identity including social expressions such as name and pronoun choice MOONLIGHT is a coming of age drama that explores themes of race, gender and sexuality. This film leans into stereotypes of ‘black masculinity’ only to disassemble them with beautifully captured nuance and vulnerability
Click here to watch the Somerset Film Pride Playlist! You can watch specific trailers from our Pride playlist by clicking on the playlist icon (top right). Alternatively, sit back, let the playlist play and celebrate pride!
Thanks for reading!
Alisa Čengić, Assistant Producer
Richard, our creative technologist writes...
A couple of weeks before lockdown partners Somerset Film and Action Track Performance Company, facilitated the first of many planned music & filmmaking workshops with twelve residents of Wellington, a small market town in rural Somerset. The plan was to produce a film, with a soundtrack intended to be performed live, to showcase at a new film festival Wellington on Screen in September 2020.
Our creative and enthusiastic group of participants decided that they would use the opportunity to make a film that shone a light on the built and natural environment of Wellington, the place where they live and work.
The group’s enthusiasm was matched by their imagination, reflected in the idea that the film would be seen through the eyes of a gargoyle attached to the side of St. Johns church. This gargoyle has seen many things throughout its life: the cycle of the seasons, the Reformation, the major rebuilding of the town after the fire of 1731, the arrival of the Grand Western Canal in 1835, the arrival of the M5 motorway in the 60s and 70s. Maybe the gargoyle was aware that we were about to enter into our another moment in history (at least in our own lifetimes)? We like to imagine that if the gargoyle was in attendance at that first filmmaking workshop it could have, perhaps, pre-warned us that we were about to embark on a period of uncertainty and anxiety brought about by the sudden Covid lockdown of our communities.
The lockdown seems to have suppressed just about every aspect of our lives: from going to work, to meeting friends, to popping to the shops. However, it doesn’t seem to be able to suppress creativity. In fact, the opposite is true. Individuals across the country, who wouldn’t normally spend time making art, are busy designing visual statements in support of our health workers and exhibiting them in their windows. Social media has come alive with fantastic work by first time poets, musicians and photographers. The Wellington on Screen group are no exception to this.
Within days we agreed that we would respond creatively to the challenges we now faced. A WhatsApp group was set up to ensure participants and facilitators could keep each other posted on the project’s progress. In the absence of filmmaking kit that would normally be provided by Somerset Film we reviewed the resources available to individuals and the group made the decision to continue the shoot using their mobile phones. Working within the lockdown boundaries set out by the government the group discovered ingenious ways of documenting the previously busy footpaths, streets, parks and supermarkets. Significant moments, such as the weekly clap for the NHS, never-before seen queues at supermarkets and wildlife reclaiming spaces, are all in the process of being documented and archived on the project WhatsApp group.
The editing process, that would normally involve the transportation of desktop computers and a lot of power cables, is being carried out via online editorial sessions. This resilient group are even continuing to produce original score through the same platforms with Actiontrack. The daily notification sounds of latest material posted and messages of response and encouragement also providing a musical accompaniment all of its own - to a project that hasn’t stopped, to a creative community.
The group are moving forwards, working within boundaries placed upon them, producing their unique film portrait of their lives and the place they live, all seen through the eyes of a gargoyle.
Together they will ensure that the film will be produced on schedule and, one way or another, a movie will be showcased in September, whatever form that might take.
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