LIVING FOR THE CITY
This is an online film exhibition celebrating the work of female filmmakers and creatives in London and New York.
Presented by Film Girls Social Club and UNDRLNDN
A special thank you to Caroline for letting me be a part of this project and letting me take photographs of these amazing creatives.
Click on the links below to watch the exhibition!
CAROLINE WILSON
WRITER AND PRODUCER
LOCATION : Barking Broadway Theatre
Hello welcome to Living For the City!
This is an online film exhibition celebrating the work of female filmmakers and creatives in London and New York.
In the London section of the film exhibition I decided to feature seven talented creatives and friends and ask them to pick an environment that was special to them. Alongside photographer Ishika Sakina, we travelled across London to spend time with them.
I chose Barking Broadway Theatre for my portrait because I used to attend workshops twice a week a decade ago and it was the first place I found like-minded creatives and discovered my creative voice.
Obviously we are living in a digital hybrid world at the moment. I know not everyone can travel as frequently during COVID but hopefully you can learn about these amazing London-based creatives through this series.
It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Amandla and Love from Film Girl Social Club on this transatlantic project and we hope to always celebrate each other’s work.
Socials:
Instagram: @undrlndn
NIA CHILDS
Filmmaker
LOCATION : Kentish Green
Can you share any information about your new short film, The Other End - what was the process in getting the film made?
It took a LONG time! The premise is simple - our lead character is worried because her boyfriend hasn't come home, but the film is really an exploration of the experiences of women who have men in their life who are involved in crime. I wrote the script back in 2017, but ultimately just wasn't ready until last year - it's so important to get a good team together, and when you're working with small budgets it can be really challenging. It's really hard as a new filmmaker to get funding, but I was lucky to be able to get most of it funded through a crowdfunding campaign. I shot it in lockdown in October, and it's literally just finished post production, and will be doing film festivals later in the year- I'm excited for people to see it.
What other projects are you developing?
I'm currently working on my next short which is shooting in the summer- it similarly explores a woman's relationship to a crime but in a totally different way. I'm quite troubled by how so many crime dramas reinforce lazy stereotypes or use the same boring tropes over and over without trying to explore the root causes of crime, and so I'm trying to do something different with my work.
Why did you choose your home to have the shoot in?
Home is something that's always felt quite transient to me. I hated the town I grew up in so I'll never see it as my home, and like lots of people living in an expensive city and working in the arts, the physical location of my home changes every time I have to move to save money or because my landlord needs their house back. I know that where I live now isn't my permanent home, and so I wanted to capture it on film so that there's a mark of my time here, and how I was feeling and who I was when the pictures were taken. I shot a lot of my last film in my previous flat in Tottenham and will probably shoot some of my next film here in Kentish Town too. In a way, it's nice that after over 10 years in London, I have lots of places that feel like home to me now.
What keeps you motivated and excited about the film industry?
The film industry isn't a nice place to be a lot of the time - it is changing for the better but there's still a long way to go. It's a cliche to point it out perhaps, but the industry favours such a small group of people, and for anyone who isn't part of that group, it's just really hard. But I do get excited when I see short films from filmmakers earlier on in their career, or those who are working outside of the mainstream, who are making something different. My work means I watch a LOT of short films, and sometimes you feel like you've discovered a secret when you see something that a filmmaker has created, and it's so great, and you know they're going to do well- that really is the best feeling.
What would your boxing ring walk song be?
I've changed my answer about 10 times whilst trying to think of one, but almost definitely a garage or a grime track. Maybe dubstep.
Are there any online resources you would recommend to film lovers and filmmakers?
BFI Network has a public fund open twice a year and lots of useful resources on their site. Shooting People are great if you're looking for a crew.
But nothing is as useful as talking to other creatives, so building your own network is key. Sign up for online stuff, go to stuff in person even if you're on your own - it really is the best way!
Socials:
Twitter: @nia_loves_films
Instagram: @nia_1201
Cheryl Jordan Osei (CJO), Chioma Wuche (CW), Hannah Banjo (HB)
CJO: Filmmaker and Motion Designer / CW: Civil Servant / HB: Brand Marketing and Sales Executive
LOCATION : Kyoto Garden
How did you all meet?
CJO: I met Hannah and Chioma separately. Chioma and I went to the same secondary school, sixth form and university! We were actually in the same form during secondary school and our friendship grew even stronger at university. Hannah, Chioma and I have been in the same friendship group since uni and I introduced Hannah to the girls (Chioma included) - the rest is history. I met Hannah at uni one day at the bus stop after work. I approached her to tell her how much I loved her jeans, I was so exhausted that day but something in me said you know what, a little conversation won't hurt. Here we are, 8 years later, 2 holidays and some work opportunities too. We have also all lived together so we're stuck with each other at this point.
Why did you pick this location?
CJO: Hannah chose this location because of the giant chess pieces. I think as creatives we've both reached a stage where we are willing to experiment and let our imaginations run wild. I also think in order to achieve that, you have to be comfortable being in peculiar spaces and that's why I went along with it too. I think it's important that the space was 'open' too. As 20-somethings, I feel like we're teaching ourselves to be open to new experiences no matter what and where they are.
What have you learnt this year?
CJO: This year I have learned the power of patience and trusting in God. Not everything has to happen at once. Small steps in the right direction are great and should never be underestimated. Also, don't take life too seriously; be intentional about having joy based on living alone and not basing it on what you 'achieve'.
CW: I have learned this year that you just have to take the leap.
HB: I have learnt that the principle of taking one day at a time is highly productive yet fuel to my faith. It allows room for God to move by laying down my own expectations and accepting *exactly* what he wants for me.
What would your boxing ring walk song be?
CJO: Western Road Flows (Drake)
CW: Common Sense (J Hus)
HB: Talkin Da Hardest (Giggs)
Favourite places in South London?
CJO: My favourite places in South London are Waterloo and Brixton.
CW: There used to be a Lebanese restaurant and shisha bar in Camberwell called Hayatt Place which I frequented a lot last summer. Also Bagel King! A very stereotypical South London answer but it is the perfect place to get late night food and the end of the night lol I really love Tooting market as well, there is a great Black owned juice bar that I discovered recently.
HB: Almost the whole of South West London. Wandsworth, Putney, Fulham, Chelsea - to name a few.
What are your favourite qualities in each other?
CJO: My favourite quality in Chioma is how unaware she is of her quirkiness which really does light up a room. She is free in her mind and her expression and inspires me to be so too.
My favourite quality about Hannah is unending support, she will make you feel like you can take the world if only you believe it. Her mind isn't to be played with, an utter creative genius too. They are both incredible women and I couldn't be honoured to know them as sisters.
CW: Hannah: I call her my twin, we are both Libras and I feel like sometimes we are telepathic, she just understands these little nuances about me that NOBODY gets. She has the biggest heart and is such a genuine person.
Cheryl: An absolute sweetheart, muse, fashion killer, trendsetter and overall baddie. I love Cheryl’s creative flair, she is so talented in so many different ways. And she will hype you up ALL the time, she knows how to make you feel good about yourself.
HB: Chioma: Her intellect, crazy one of kind humour and contagious personality! It’s impossible not to be excited or dying of laughter around her, more than a friend, a sister.
Cheryl: Her incredible kind heart, cheeky banter, unique laugh that always comes with a hard slap, great music taste and a real heart and ear to listen. More than a friend but a sister!
Socials:
@chezzzydopez
@Custardcream34
MISS JACQUI
Spoken Word Artist (all things creative arts, all things accessible and inclusive)
LOCATION : St Margaret's Parish Church & Broadway Playground
What has your career path been, from Spoken Word Artist, Songwriter, and Facilitator?
I’ve always been creative but never really saw anyone who looked like me (a black disabled woman) do what I wanted to do. Poetry was introduced to me in school via war poems and experiences I couldn’t relate to. Until I met a phenomenal poet called Kat François, who opened my eyes to what poetry could be and she pushed me to do and be better in my craft. I went on to combine poetry and music and perform at various events and places nationally. I wanted to see and make a change in the industries I wanted to be a part of, so I started facilitating workshops for young people and companies and organisations that I knew would make a difference.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to represent the multiple communities I come from. Being able to inspire others to dream BIG.
Why did you pick this location?
I picked this location because it represents me at my core Faith and Fun. As adults, we forget how to play and imagine and laugh uncontrollably. As adults sometimes all we have is faith that tomorrow will be better.
How has the lockdown been for you, what has kept you entertained/feeling positive?
Lockdown has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Things that have kept me entertained and feeling positive have been staying creative and connecting with different people (even though it has been through a screen), being able to talk about issues that matter to me without feeling ignored.
What have you learnt this year?
I have learnt this year that my voice matters and voices like mine matter.
How can we get in touch with you?
I will be releasing new music soon and I’m working on a few projects so follow me on social media to keep up to date with what I have going on.
Socials:
Instagram: @iAmMissJacqui
Twitter: @iAmMissJacqui
YouTube: MissJacquiOfficial
My New Single ‘MMXX’: https://fanlink.to/MMXX-MissJacqui
LAUREN MCCOLLIN
Freelance Videographer/Editor
LOCATION : Hainault Forest
If you could describe your film aesthetic in one sentence, what would it be?
Minimal, real life, I still feel like I'm developing my own style and I'm obsessed with anything shot on film, eventually, I want to start using it more frequently.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I've been coming to Hainault Forest since I was a child. My creative & spiritual growth go hand in hand and becoming my own boss has demanded constant change. Being surrounded by nature grounds me and gives me a reset, a sense of peace and clarity, which allows me to continue growing.
What has your career path been like, from studying Media Arts to becoming a freelancer?
It's been rocky! Financially and mentally draining but yet spiritually rewarding all at the same time! I've had times where I questioned what I was doing and why. I don't think uni prepared me for the real world. But since leaving uni and then my job, I realised that I have always been brave enough to chase this dream of mine. I have found my purpose and that makes me so much more determined to see everything through, making a change in my life and other peoples for the better, through my art.
Can you share the creative process behind your Dedication series and #WomenCreateToo Podcast?
2021 is looking exciting, so many great things lined up but you will just have to follow my Instagram to see. But definitely expect to see me involved in more short films, either as a DOP or Director.
What are your must-have items that you carry on every shoot?
Chargers, spare batteries and headphones!
What would your boxing ring walk song be?
That’s how I Knew (Nipsey Hussle)
Socials:
Instagram: @Lauren.McCollin
YouTube: @Lauren McCollin
#WomenCreateToo Podcast on Spotify and Apple
LOLA "LOLLY" MICHAELS
DOP & Director
LOCATION : John Scurr House & St Mary’s St Michael’s Primary School
What has your career path been?
My career path has been a journey of learning and evolving. I came into the industry in an unconventional way. From working in corporate marketing to photography and now director and DOP, I have enjoyed working on various things and now being able to find what I love and building from there.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being trusted to produce a visual that matches the vision of the director or writer. I also love being able to work collaboratively with other creatives to make it happen. Seeing the final cut is always overwhelming but also a very proud moment too.
Why did you choose to return to John Scurr House and your primary school?
Going back to these two areas was so significant for me because moving away from the area was a defining moment in my life. Leaving London after growing up there for most of my childhood was bittersweet. I was excited to move to a bigger space - a house, but I was also sad to leave my friends behind and adjust to a new environment.
So being able to relive the moments of my childhood 20+ years on was such a needed experience - going back to where it all began to see how far I've come and appreciated the journey just that little bit more.
Upcoming projects to look out for?
2021 is looking exciting, so many great things lined up but you will just have to follow my Instagram to see. But definitely expect to see me involved in more short films, either as a DOP or Director.
Socials:
Instagram: @visualsbylollycomms
And for my platform @womencreatetoo on Instagram.
We also have a podcast where we release weekly episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
ANNA-MARIE Descartes
TV Presenter and Creative Entrepreneur
LOCATION : Shoreditch High Street
Why did you pick Shoreditch to shoot in, what are the significance of the locations featured?
Shoreditch is the backdrop for the majority of my early-mid twenties - I spent a lot of time there. I have hosted events in a lot of the venues, had meetings or lunch with friends, and been out partying in and around the area, so I know it like the back of my hand.
I worked at Astrid and Miyu in Boxpark from 2017-2020 and it was the first place that I really enjoyed working in and felt valued as a member of staff. Working at A&M really brought me out of my shell because I was interacting with so many different people on a daily basis and there was always something going on on the street or in Boxpark which made it extra special.
Ace Hotel is most definitely at the heart of all London-based creatives because it was THE SPOT that everyone went to. It was a really terrible place to work because it wasn't well lit, music playing, overpriced and hundreds of people were always walking in and out, but it was the place to go to meet people. My boyfriend and I shared our first "I love you's” there as well. It had a club downstairs called Miranda where I went to a party or attend events and I was always happy at the end of the night because I could simply cross the road and catch the bus home. During the pandemic, Ace Hotel announced they would be closing their London branch and the reconstruction has already started.
Citizen M was the spot for meetings. Citizen M was the sophisticated version of Ace Hotel and I started going there when "the scene" no longer mattered to me and I actually wanted to get work done. It wasn't long before "the scene" people I wanted to escape at Ace started to filter over to Citizen and management was not having it. They started banning and charging people to use their desk space if you were not a guest at the hotel (which is understandable) but they were honestly so rude about it.
Costa Coffee became my replacement for both Barbour & Parlour and Citizen M. Free to use, affordable food and drink available plus a toilet! This is where I birthed a lot of my creative ideas and Caroline helped me produce my talk show, Live With Anna-Marie. We even ended up applying for Costa Cards so we could rack up points and get discounts in the long run. I have a lot of positive memories and can't wait to go back there when lockdown is over!
Congratulations on your New Voices 2021, Future Presenter Award! What has your career path been like?
Thank you! I would say my career has been a steady uphill drive with a lot of much-needed internal growth along the way. I started off making vox-pop videos on Youtube in 2016 and gradually worked my way to interview the biggest names in entertainment. It took a lot of pushing and throwing myself into uncomfortable situations to be able to grow. It also took a lot of belief and support from other people who gave me opportunities and believed in my vision. Winning the award has reinforced that everything I have been doing over the years was not in vain. Even the smallest gigs that no one attended or the videos that only got 50 views have all contributed to the person I am today.
You have seemed to have created a lot of your own content, your own show and brand. What is the creative process like in creating and maintaining these brands?
I am naturally full of ideas so there is not a day that goes by without me thinking of something new. However, I have learned to focus on the ideas that I can't stop thinking about and give me butterflies.
I usually begin by jotting down the idea: what it is, who it's for, what themes will I include; I'll also think of a name. Then I'll do some research and see if it's been done before and if I can draw inspiration from them. Then I'll phone a friend and explain my idea to them - most of my friends are creative so they'll either help me develop it or ask me relevant questions to get my brain ticking. Then, I may create a budget to determine when I can get to work, or I'll dive straight in if it's something I can do on my own or with a friend.
In terms of maintaining, remembering your WHY along with your end goal is very important. It will help you get through the days when you want to give up or feel unmotivated. I like to write down my goals so I can revisit them often especially when I need to be reminded why I started in the first place.
Having a great team is also very important. You can't do everything on your own and you need someone to hold you accountable for the things you can do on your own. I am grateful that I have a solid support network and team that I can rely on.
What projects would you like to support/be involved in moving forward?
Now that I have stepped into the skincare and wellness space since launching my brand, House of Embrace. I am definitely more interested in exploring health and lifestyle-related projects and events. I am passionate about supporting women's health and guiding them to becoming more confident from within.
I would also love to work with schools on their creative curriculums as it is something I think lacked growing up. Not all children are naturally academic or enjoy learning in a conventional way, so I would love to work on making education fulfilling for all learning types.
What would your boxing ring walk song be?
Real Badman (Vybz Kartel)
Socials:
Instagram: @annamariedescartes
Twitter: @annamariedee_
YouTube: Anna-Marie Descartes
TAPE COLLECTIVE
Angela Moneke, Isra Al Kassi & Nellie Alston
LOCATION : Brixton Road
How was T A P E formed, how many years have you been active?
T A P E was launched in 2016 in response to the lack of representation on screen and wanting to create a space where we could watch and engage with films that weren't made readily available to us in cinemas and other platforms. We're mostly in the zone working outside the norms of traditional cinemas screenings, instead of curating cross-arts events in intimate and alternative spaces. Our mission is to continue fostering collaborative, creative events and exhibitions which challenge the idea of genre, curation, and who gets to make decisions in the industry.
What do you each do professionally?
Angie is an independent Producer of short film projects and a Production Executive at Working Title Films. Most recently she co-produced a short film by writer/director Yero Timi-Biu as part of BBC New Creatives, which will go out later this year.
Isra is a writer and curator and has a background in cinema programming and event management. In addition to her work with T A P E she currently works as a Community Outreach & Audience Engagement freelancer with organisations such as Birds’ Eye View and Habibi Collective.
Nellie is a curator and distributor with a background in festival short films, event cinema, and independent film programming. Outside of T A P E she works in Distribution and Sales for National Theatre Live and has a particular interest in outreach and audience development.
Why did you pick this location for us to shoot in?
Angie is through and through a South London girl, and Isra has made it her home since moving from her native Sweden around 14 years ago. And while Nellie now lives in East, she hailed from the other side of the river in child/teenagehood. The South London community is where we initially made T A P E's home, from our very first screening at a cafe on Rye Lane in Peckham to a year long season of films at Brixton Ritzy. South London has an amazing energy and Brixton was a brilliant hub for us from the beginning, in terms of contacts, venues, audience, everything. As we've grown we've worked on expanding our reach, looking towards audiences in other parts of London, the UK and online - and it's inspiring being able to connect with more people considering our low-key beginnings down South!
Can you share the idea behind starting Good Wickedry and your online content rollout this year?
Up until the pandemic, all our events were in-venue, physical events. But it had always been our intention to expand into an online sphere so it ended up being the right time to do that. We launched Good Wickedry off the back of a BFI Film Feel's funded event we curated in summer last year, platforming short films by established and emerging female filmmakers. We wanted to continue highlighting short films we wanted to rave about and so launched GW as a means to create paid opportunities, showcasing one short film per week in the spirit of considered curation. We're cutting through the noise of excessive content by highlighting one great thing at a time. And it's a great feeling having the freedom to curate a program exactly the way we want without any restrictions. Another new focus of ours has been working with filmmakers on original projects through production and funding support.
What are T A P E's goals for the next five years?
Just to get bigger and bolder in everything we do - curating innovative film events, exploring things that matter to us (particularly culture, heritage and identity), working with filmmakers to produce original content and getting them out into the world. That includes nurturing our new baby, Good Wickedry. We've got some pretty ambitious ideas, we just need to get more funding in the bag to do it!
What are your must-have items that you carry on every shoot?
More funding, more collaborations, and growing our network - and if you back what we do, give us a shout out.
What has been your favourite event thus far you have hosted?
Hate having to pick as there have been so many good moments! But if we had to, maybe our first screening at what was then called Lerryn's Cafe in Peckham. It was a very DIY affair in their backroom; we begged, borrowed and stole speakers, a projector, a popcorn machine, everything we needed to make it work. And had a momentary scare when the adapter for the laptop wasn't working. We screened THE WILD PARTY by Dorothy Arzner (with a pre-screening of SUSPENSE by Lois Weber & Phillips Smalley) in honor of International Women's Day. A lot of our friends came through and we served hotdogs and themed cocktails at the end before spilling out onto the streets of Peckham for the next motive. That was a very good night.
What would your boxing ring walk song be?
Angie - New Magic Wand (Tyler, The Creator)
Isra - Det Löser Sej (Timbuktu)
Nellie - Let Me Blow Your Mind (Eve ft. Gwen Stefani)
Socials:
Instagram: @tapecollective @goodwickedry @angie.mnk
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