Dulwich OnView

East Dulwich based film maker, Laverne Hunt, writes about her work with a Latin American group of dancers and artists aged 11-25 who specialise in Regathon style music (a cross between Hip Hop and Reggae).

I have a background in law and also had a very brief spell as professional dancer and actress. My Dad is Jamaican and her mother half Scottish and half Italian. I am mixed race which I think gives me a cross-cultural perspective so I can speak kindly of all people and venture into wide range of environments without causing offence. It is never someone’s colour that offends me; it is usually what comes out of that person’s mouth.

Myself and a number of local and city professionals set up the charity Media Community Network Limited. We wanted to use documentary and film to change people’s life by bringing people together using comedy. Our most recent Board member is Michael Wolfkind QC. We were recently supported by local comedienne Helen Lederere who is featured in Public Health Message documentary made by severely damaged young people in Kent adding some lively comedic debate to subject of smoking. I believe that by sharing documentary issues across schools both London and internationally this will connect young people to concerns in a more cohesive way and lead towards more peacerful understandings of different cultures.

I am currently making a documentary with some young people in Southwark in response to regeneration to inspires others to make changes in their lives. The group are Latin American and are Regathon artists (a blend of latin american, hiphop and reggae). We are drawing upon Charlie Chaplin influences to create lyrics and silent movie within documentary. We are drawing upon styles and imagery and also as referencing as an iconic figure having transported himself from poverty to Hollywood legend. We had a workshop with specialist curator at BFI and are near completion of documentary which is to be screened at BFI.

The Regathon group grew from Columbion- born artist Amparo’s living room on the Aylesbury Estate and has performed in the Mayor’s Show each year and other venues across London. They wanted their music to be more understood, which is how it became aligned to Charlie Chaplin. Latin Americans go Chaplin over Charlie? Well not quite. As the curator at the BFI discovered whilst discussing the life of Charlie Chaplin in Southwark with young people living here today, many kids have never heard of Charlie Chaplin.

Southwark has been the subject of regeneration for many years and to contemporise what regeneration means to the youth in their real lives, we created a documentary which would make the term and possibility for change more understood. Local Government wanted a less brochure driven approach and we identified a gap in the dialogue. The documentary illustrates what regeneration means to them and also what does it mean to be Latin American in London, what is Regathon music, who likes style of music and dance, who dislikes it and why. They also used transformative elements of Charlie Chaplin’s life to look at influences in thier own lives to style their lyrics.

After visit to the BFI we used Charlie’s quote as “Give me a pretty girl, a park and a policeman and there you have a film” to inspire a short film within the documentary called GET CARTER it is silent film about the theft of a dog in a park and how Charlie Chaplin saves the day. The documentary addresses many themes which makes accessible of many levels and for variety of reasons.

The young people got involved in the project in a hands on way by doing their own practical research and operating cameras. We also trained them in basic editing skills, interview technique and story construction. They were able to involve their family and friends in interviews relating to culture. They could highlight their talents on camera through dance and song. The practical impact of this team film project have helped the kids in so many ways, for example:

* They have a portfolio item that they can reference to at any time when seeking employment
* They will see their film screened at BFI.
* They can take documentary into their schools to show others through assembly
* They have been able to contribute in a positive way to society by inspiring other young people to do well
* They have been able to contribute to their youth club organisation in a positive way

The young people received gifted bespoke hats from New Era Flagship Store in Carnaby Street and photographs of the group may be seen in the store. O2 gave an award for innovation in the community so they received a press release and photographs for themselves and organisation. The group also now have a historical documentary that reflects an important aspect of their lives that they can keep for parents and extended family.

Southwark will use the documentary to promote good citizenship in schools. The local police service will use it to promote safety in parks and safety of animals. Hopefully, the film will help Southwark to be viewed differently by influential professionals connected to Regeneration on Aylesbury Estate over the next 8-15 years (estimated time to phase in). Local Residents can gain different understanding of what Regeneration can mean. Young people can be inspired to make transformation in their own lives.Young people can be made aware of the consequences of theft of animals and distress caused to families.