by Anna de Pass
If you enjoyed reading Laverne Hunt’s article about the documentary film she is making with young people in Southwark, come along and meet her at the Dulwich Picture Gallery’s Late Night on 15th May.
She will be showing the film, Butt Out, she made with a group of young people from Goldwiyn School in Kent who have behavourial and learning difficulties. Under her guidance, they have made a wonderful film which they hope will change people’s lives by encouraging them to give up smoking. The film even features comedian Helen Lederer puffing away on her fags, and a short silent film inspired by Charlie Chaplin in the middle. The Local Health Authority plan to use the film to inform the public about the dangers of smoking.
Laverne Hunt makes films with community groups and young people using documentary film to change people’s lives by bringing people together with comedy. She started the charity Media Community Network Limited to use filmmaking to connect young people to local issues and concerns in a way that combines practical hands on experience with a continuing purpose for the film in public education. It is hoped in the future, the Late Night will feature the film she is working on now, made with Regathon artists which draws upon documentary and Charlie Chaplin to explore what regeneration means to young people living in Southwark.
Also, Nigel Lesmoir-Gordon will be introducing his film Brixton Beach as this had to be postponed at the last Late Night. The biggest skate park in London was commissioned 30 years ago by Lambeth Council. Apart from being a haven for local residents, the park is visited by enthusiasts from all over the world. The film studies the art and skills involved and talks to skate boarders and BMXers about what the park means to them. Nigel will be there to introduce the film and answer questions from the audience.
Photo: Thanks to Lightmash on Flickr (CCL)
