Young filmmakers

Budding filmmakers show why community is so important

Young filmmakers from West and South London have showcased their debut feature film at the prestigious British Film Institute in London.

Young people Dana Harbour, Abdul Jones, Sidney Russell, Althina Sulejmani, Ekber Sulejmani and Lenny Warren from South London have written, directed and produced their own documentary called Our Home in Rotherhithe.

The short film was produced as part of a national programme funded by affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton working with not-for-profit film and production company Chocolate Films.

It was premiered alongside six other films – all inspired by the theme of roots – including five young people from Dalgarno Gardens in West London who produced short horror film The Curse of the Red Box – about a curious boy who is haunted by a ringing telephone. Both London films will be premiered alongside films from Plymouth, Bradford and Birmingham at the British Film Institute at London’s South Bank on Saturday 14 January.

Joanne Rich, Youth Engagement Manager for Affinity Sutton, said: “As a business for social purpose, we are committed to helping people put down roots and we also want to help create places for communities to thrive. This project enabled us to get a real insight into what young people’s perceptions of where they live and their aspirations and we wanted this event to be a real celebration of their achievements.”