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Heads Together filmed the people of Burmantofts - an
inner city district in Leeds - to create a 50 minute
creative documentary about the estate and the people
in the area who are trying to make a difference. The
film was first shown at four outdoor screenings in the
area. The response has been remarkable.
Working jointly with Learning
Partnerships, who are based in Ebor Gardens, the
Tofts 01 video project bought together hundreds of people
who had been involved in the Changing Communities regeneration
project.
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The video project took two years to research
and fundraise before even a camera was used on site. The Lincoln
Green community had been involved in the Fergal Keane documentary
for BBC1 called 'Forgotten Britain'. Adrian Sinclair, Creative
Director of Heads Together explains:
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is a very special film about the real people of
Burmantofts. Remember, this is the same community
that was portrayed to the nation as being the worst
example of inner city deprivation. It was important
for the community to have an opportunity to tell
their story in their own words. What you will find
in this film are some very ordinary people who are
making an extraordinary difference in their neighbourhood." |
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The film captures some of the local people
who display a relentless passion and pride in their community.
People like Albert Bee. Albert has been campaigning to get
a park for the children on the unused green on Torre Mount.
He doesn't expect the Council to come in and fix the whole
thing, but if they made a start then Albert would make sure
that he and other neighbours would finish it and make sure
it is looked after. Until then, Albert will keep his ponies
on the Green.
One of the key successes to this project was
the community screenings. Local people needed to know that
the film was for them and to feel ownership of the content.
They also needed to share and discuss the issues raised in
the film with their neighbours, and the community event surrounding
the screening was an ideal opportunity. It also enabled participants
to share their pride in their community and have some fun!
Each of the four outdoor screenings had locals making popcorn
and drinks and handing out the free ice-creams donated by
Treats Ice Creams. Over 1500 people came to the screenings.
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