documentary – Page 3 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

TOLL: An act of anger, protest, recognition and remembrance

Concrete Block Gallery, Undercroft, 15 Lauriston Gardens, Edinburgh, EH3 9HH

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May between 11am and 5pm

As lockdown eases there’s an exhibition opening in an unconventional gallery space in a corner of Edinburgh that might help us to pause and reflect on what has happened before we rush out and enjoy the freedom.

‘Toll’ is an artwork by Edinburgh-based artist Andrew Brooks at the new Concrete Block Gallery, which makes a single mark for each of the first year’s reported deaths involving Covid19 in the United Kingdom.

The total reported deaths involving Covid19 for the first year in the UK was 145,652 and this is the number of marks made over 52 performances by Andrew in the space, each performance representing a single week’s statistics.

Andrew began the project online on March 13th 2021, publishing the first performance video on the one-year anniversary of the first reported deaths in the UK, and will complete this work of protest and remembrance on May 13th.

Andrew Brooks said: “There are two elements to the artwork: the physical piece with the marks made on the paper and also the performance of me in the space making the work – I do it in silence and on my own. The performance of this is very much the work part of the work and is just as important as the paper.”

Each mark is made with a single brush dab and is 4cm high and made on rolls of paper 1.5m wide and 10m long. The marks fill 53 metres of paper and have used over a litre of black ink.

Each week’s statistics is filmed separately, and the longest film is 3 hours 6 minutes, representing the 6th week of Covid related deaths in the UK which was the highest toll for the year at 9,510.

Andrew continued: “The act of remembrance is very important in the way that I have gone about constructing this, attempting to recognise each one of those deaths. Understanding what one hundred and forty-five thousand marks looks like and how much time it takes to make those.

“I try and be as considered as possible when I make a mark because that is somebody – that is somebody’s family member, somebody’s friend and it’s somebody’s life that’s ended.”

Seeing Andrew’s endeavour on Instagram, documentary film maker, Dave MacFarlane of DMtwo Media, approached him to document the process of making the work.

Dave MacFarlane explained: “This recent filming project is one of those that come along and you can’t help but take notice.

“The subject matter, the artistic concept and the wider social impact were all key factors in wanting to produce this short documentary”.

Reflecting on why he decided to make the work, Andrew said: “When you think about the statistics it easily gets abstracted away but I’m doing this to make it physical and make it so that it can’t be avoided.

“It’s a visualization that really makes you understand what’s happened, over a hundred and forty-five thousand deaths, you have to realise that this is something to get angry about.

“The impetus for this was anger and that’s what’s fed it. It’s anger at Westminster and at central government. I’ve felt that they haven’t been decisive, they haven’t made strong decisions, there has been a lot of waste, that has resulted in over a hundred thousand deaths.

“This is a protest piece, this is my version of holding up a placard and standing out in the street – this is my concerted silent protest. Art can have many roles in society, and one of those is definitely protest and this is my protest”.

‘Toll’ will be exhibited for viewings at Concrete Block Gallery Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th May between 11am and 5pm.

Viewings can be booked through Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/toll-exhibition-tickets-153275995629

Pictures: DMtwo Media

Celebrating the Queens of Space

Graduate’s documentary looks at the next generation of women in aerospace

A recent Edinburgh Napier TV graduate is boldly going where no previous TV graduate has gone before with his debut documentary film.

Adam Smith – who graduated from Edinburgh Napier in July this year – has recently released ‘Space Queens’,his first feature documentary that takes an in depth look at the women behind Apollo 11’s mission to the moon. Continue reading Celebrating the Queens of Space

Students visit Uganda as part of campaign to raise awareness of period poverty

International work will feature as part of documentary by Bleedin’ Saor collective

A creative collective from Edinburgh Napier that aims to raise awareness of period poverty has taken its campaign to East Africa as part of a once in a lifetime trip to Uganda. Continue reading Students visit Uganda as part of campaign to raise awareness of period poverty

One Day in Haram

International Humanitarian charity, Penny Appeal, are announcing a film tour, starting with the London showing of One Day in the Haram on September 7th. A documentary by critically acclaimed British Muslim filmmaker, writer, producer and director, Abrar Hussain, the film tells the extraordinary story of the Haram in Mecca (Makkah), and will be shown in 23 cities around the UK.

This ground-breaking documentary tells the story of the Haram through the eyes of the people working in Mecca and addresses the motivations of their faith, as well as the logistics of providing a service catering to the needs of the millions of pilgrims visiting each and every year.

For the first time ever, this documentary offers viewers unrestricted access to the inner workings of this most holy site, previously shrouded in mystery. The documentary was shot at 4k resolution using a variety of ground-based, helicopter, and drone video recordings to provide a beautiful and highly detailed viewing experience.

The Haram, which is situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and surrounds the Islamic Qinah, is also known as the Masjid-al-haram. It is a place so revered by the Islamic world that non-Muslims are forbidden to enter. At present, the Haram hosts over five million people each year, especially during the time of the Hajj, a requirement of one of the five pillars of Islam, whereby all able-bodied Muslims must travel to the holy city.

The documentary also discusses the Islamic rituals in great detail, while giving a rich history of the Haram, explaining the inner workings, beliefs, and traditions surrounding this most revered site, in a way that is enticing to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Director Hussain says he wants to “show how successfully the mosque is run, how organized its departments are, and how seriously its workers take their jobs.”

Tickets available by calling 03000 11 11 11 or visit www.pennyappeal.org/event/one-day-haram

Prices starts from just £5, screenings will run from the 7th till the 29th September, up and down the country from Cardiff to Edinburgh, including matinee performances in certain cities.

For further information, please call Pedro on 07831 556 951 or e mail Pedro.carvalho@pennyappeal.org

Friday	07/09/2018	1	London	Evening	Porchester Hall
Saturday	08/09/2018	2	East London	Matinee	Stoke Newington Town Hall
Saturday	08/09/2018	3	East London	Evening	Stoke Newington Town Hall
Sunday	09/09/2018	4	Wembley	Evening	Oakington Manor Hall
Monday	10/09/2018	5	Luton	Evening	Luton Library Theatre
Tuesday	11/09/2018	6	Reading	Evening	Shehnai Olympia Ballroom
Wednesday	12/09/2018	7	Cardiff	Evening	The Angel Hotel
Thursday	13/09/2018	8	Coventry	Evening	Royale Mint
Friday	14/09/2018	9	Walsall	Evening	Walsall Football Club
Saturday	15/09/2018	10	Leicester	Matinee	Sapphire Suite
Saturday	15/09/2018	11	Leicester	Evening	Sapphire Suite
Sunday	16/09/2018	12	Birmingham	Matinee	Crown Banqueting
Sunday	16/09/2018	13	Birmingham	Evening	Crown Banqueting
Monday	17/09/2018	14	Peterborough	Evening	The Cresset Theatre
Tuesday	18/09/2018	15	Nottingham	Evening	Albert Hall
Wednesday	19/09/2018	16	Sheffield	Evening	Magna
Thursday	20/09/2018	17	Batley	Evening	IMWS

Friday	21/09/2018	19	Manchester	Evening	Vermillion
Saturday	22/09/2018	20	Bradford	Matinee	The Regency Hall
Saturday	22/09/2018	21	Bradford	Evening	The Regency Hall
Sunday	23/09/2018	22	Blackburn	Evening	King Georges Hall
Monday	24/09/2018	23	Bolton	Evening	Cineworld Bolton
Tuesday	25/09/2018	24	Oldham	Evening	Eastern Pavillion
Wednesday	26/09/2018	25	Middlesbrough	Evening	Middlesbrough Theatre
Thursday	27/09/2018	26	Aberdeen	Evening	Cineworld Aberdeen Union Square
Friday	28/09/2018	27	Glasgow	Evening	Mitchell Theatre
Saturday	29/09/2018	28	Edinburgh	Evening	Roxy Assembly

Groundswell Rising: the fracking truth?

FRIDAY 4th MARCH 7 – 10pm NORTH EDINBURGH ARTS

US FILM SHOWS RISKS OF FRACKING

Communities invited to screening of American documentary

Community campaigners are inviting local people to view a documentary highlighting first-hand accounts of the effects of fracking in the United States.

Hands Over Our Scotland has helped organise a local screening of the film ‘Groundswell Rising’, featuring the testimonies of people in towns across America who have to live side-by-side with the fracking industry.

The film will be shown on Friday 4 March from 7 to 9:30pm at North Edinburgh Arts.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland will introduce the film. He will be joined by Prof Andrew Watterson, Director of the Centre for Public Health and Population Health Research, and Head of the Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Stirling for discussion after the screening.

Dr Richard Dixon said: “Scotland has to learn from the communities that have already had to live with fracking. Seeing the reality of having this dirty industry as a neighbour should persuade anyone that it’s not something we want here. For the sake of the climate and local people, fracking and unconventional fossil fuels are the last thing Scotland needs.”

Maria Montinaro, of Hands Over Our Scotland, who is accompanying the producer on a tour of UK, said: “This film shows the reality of what it means to live beside fracking operations, including the daily struggle of ordinary people to protect their children’s air and water.

“Their testimonies show what is potentially in store for communities around the Forth if our government allows big fossil fuel companies to go ahead with their plans. The first duty of any government is to protect its citizens. We call upon our Scottish Government to put the health and wellbeing of Scottish communities first – banning this industry .”

Groundswell Rising has been praised by critics. LA Weekly said it ‘balances grim facts and expert analysis with scenes of ordinary people pushing back’, while Hollywood Reporter said it ‘delivers its arguments with a canny mixture of facts and emotion’.

Executive producer Mark Lichty will speak at the first screening at the University of Edinburgh. Mark is an attorney and former CEO of Bustin Industrial Products. Having been in manufacturing for many years, he is deeply concerned about the safety issues not being addressed by the oil and gas industry.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting people of Edinburgh. The film shows how an industry rich with political connections managed to slip into a position of almost untouchable power and how at-risk communities have come together to fight back.

“Groundswell Rising is a documentary told by those who are living it, with honesty, passion and a sincere desire to protect our children and the world we leave them. I hope that Groundswell Rising will inspire people and politicians in Scotland to ban risky gas extraction once and for all.”

The Groundswell Rising screening at North Edinburgh Arts is part of a tour across central Scotland being organised by campaign group Hands Over Our Scotland.

Full screening details are available at www.groundswellscotland.com.

Groundswell Rising flyer_23.2.16 (2)

How to change the world … in Edinburgh!

New documentary tells the story of the birth of Greenpeace

My old mate Dave Woods has alerted me to a film made by his friend Jerry Rothwell he describes as ‘wonderful – it is a fabulous thing.’ High praise indeed … ‘How To Change The World‘ premieres at The Cameo on Wednesday 9 September at 8pm (also showing at Cineworld Edinburgh and Odeon Lothian Road).

How To Change The World tells the gripping story of the origins of Greenpeace. A Sundance 2015 award winner, the film draws on stunning unseen footage from the early days of the modern green movement.

In 1971 a brave group of young activists set sail from Vancouver in an old fishing boat. Their mission: to stop Nixon’s atomic bomb tests in Amchitka, a tiny island off the west coast of Alaska.

It was from these humble but courageous beginnings that the global organisation that we now know as Greenpeace was born. Chronicling the fascinating untold story behind the modern environmental movement, this gripping new film tells the story of eco-hero Robert Hunter and how he, alongside a group of like-minded and idealistic young friends in the ’70s, would be instrumental in altering the way we now look at the world and our place within it.

‘A real-life thriller with larger than life heroes‘ – Huffington Post
‘Tremendously inspiring, and by turns thrilling, comic, and shocking‘ – Slashfilm

A panel discussion, broadcast live via satellite, follows the screening featuring legendary fashion designer and long-standing Greenpeace supporter Vivienne Westwood, director Jerry Rothwell, Robert Hunter’s daughter Emily Hunter and other special guests to be announced. The event will be hosted by Mariella Frostrup.

You can check out the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/126619145

The Cameo Link: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cameo_Picturehouse/film/how-to-change-the-world-live-premiere

Film: Volunteering Changes Lives

We are delighted to share “Volunteering Changes Lives” – a short film celebrating 30 years’ work by Volunteer Centre Edinbugrh’s (VCE’s) Health & Wellbeing Team.

http://www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/volunteer/Blog_Article_Depository/New_Film

It is an inspiring and powerful account of how volunteering has assisted a number of people to overcome the barriers & discrimination which accompany mental illness and disability. All are volunteers with local charities, supporting the delivery of services – being a helper rather than always being helped.

I am sure that a number of people featured in the film may be familiar to you!

Nick Woodhead, Health and Wellbeing Development Officer

VOLUNTEER CENTRE EDINBURGH

TV students set for big screen debut

Edinburgh College Granton Campus TV students will be showcasing their talents at a screening at Edinburgh Filmhouse on Wednesday at 6pm. Telford’s Film and TV course has produced some fine creative talent over the years – take the opportunity to view the next generation!

For further information contact Television Lecturer Fergus Robb at Edinburgh College by email at fergus.robb@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Scottish BAFTA for Muirhouse filmmaker

Congratulations to Muirhouse filmmaker Garry Fraser on winning a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Factual category for his autobiographical film ‘Everybody’s Child’ last night.

The acclaimed documentary – filmed mainly in Muirhouse and Pennywell – tells the story of Gary’s childhood and his later battles with heroin addiction. Remarkably ‘Everybody’s Child’ was a first documentary for Garry, who studied film making at Telford College.

Views of North Edinburgh on the box

A couple of items you may have missed recently:

You may recall we gave a wee plug to Granton Youth Theatre’s Fringe debut. Well, STV covered the story here:

http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/magazine/113534-the-fringe-spotlight-illuminates-the-life-and-crimes-of-north-edinburgh/

The BBC also aired a fascinating documentary, ‘My Lives and Times’, by Muirhouse filmmaker Garry Fraser (pictured below)last month. If you missed it, you’ll find it at:

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01l5fvn

wwwbbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01l5fvn/My_Lives_and_Times