Short films by the homeless and vulnerable
By Mike Ashworth | May 28, 2009
Last Saturday I attended an event hosted by Brighton housing Trust and First Base at the Odeon in Brighton. The event was First Cut - Take 3, a showcase of adventurous short films made by homeless and vulnerable adults in Brighton and Hove.
Take 3 is the final year of a three year programme and during that time they’ve made 14 short films ranging from hard-hitting video diaries to comedies, dramas, documentaries, even a ghost story.
The film event was hosted by actor Chris Eliison, aka ‘Burnside’ from The Bill, or “sideburns” as one person called him. It included a number of live performances, dancing, recitals and also an “Oscar” ceremony.
The Will Young connection
One film was particularly interesting as it focussed on the life of Ray Saxby, a veteran who trod the board with all the greats and was the inspiration for Will Young’s character, Bertie, in “Mrs Henderson Presents“.
Brighton Housing Trust
I met some great people during the day. Pat Matthews, a lady who was originally involved with Brighton Housing Trust over 40 years ago and is now their lifelong President. And also Andy Winter the Chief Executive of Brighton Housing Trust. But more than that, I got to meet lots of wonderful people who made these films.
During the event I was talking with Pat and it was interesting to hear her views on the Trust and why it was originally formed. The idea was that it would be a short term Project whose Goal was to benefit the local area and in doing so ensure it wasn’t needed anymore. 40 years on and the Trust employs around 200 people in Brighton and Hove and has never been busier.
People - just like us
As many people go about their business on a daily basis, hurrying around from one place to the other, seemingly with no time to spare to even acknowledge others, events like this remind us that the people who live on our streets are people, just like us.
Sure, their are a very small minority that choose that way of life however the vast majority do not and in actual fact a lot of people are being pushed in the direction of poverty and homelessness by current economic issues. The advice line at the Trust has never been busier.
In some ways I would wish that the Trust is not here in the future and that everyone has a roof over their head however this is very unlikely. I am grateful that people like Pat, Andy and the myriad of others who help those in vulnerable positions are around and doing good.
Find out more
To find out more about the fantastic work that Brighton Housing Trust and First Base do click on the links below
Fractured Films
This three year programme couldn’t have happened without the input of Will Jewell, Dom Jones and others associated with Fractured Films. To find out more about the work that this Film Production Company do please click this link
How you can help
If you are interested in helping the Trust then you may wish to consider purchasing a book they published a couple of years ago, titled, “Let them eat biscuits. First Base Arts Project Anthology 2007″ It is available at Amazon at the link below.
Let Them Eat Biscuits!: First Base Arts Project Anthology 2007
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