Summary:
October 2007 saw Handsworth Park come alive with the filming of JOY, a short film shot in one take on spectacular 35mm Cinemascope. All the cast were from Birmingham and this was their first experience of this kind of production.
Telephone:
Nina Jowett - 0121 303 4962
Email:
bob_jowett (at) birmingham (dot) gov (dot) uk
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL ARTS TEAM COMMISSIONS AWARD WINNING FILM
October 2007 saw Handsworth Park come alive with the filming of JOY, a short film shot in one take on spectacular 35mm Cinemascope. All the cast were from Birmingham and this was their first experience of this kind of production. In addition, some of the crew were also from Birmingham.
Birmingham City Councils’ Arts Team commissioned the film from Joe Lawlor and Christine Molloy (Desperate Optimists) as part of their ongoing research into community participation projects. Christine and Joe have a history of creating spectacular one-take films whilst working with community members new to working in film. Their previous films under the theme of ‘Civic Life’ has won awards and nominations and been screened all over the world.
As part of the legacy of the Collide programme, a commissioning and professional development programme for local BME artists that has now come to an end. Local filmmaker Steven Mclean has been mentored by Christine and Joe to assist him with creating his own short film influenced by the park and local communities.
Joy will be shown on 25th March 2008 at the AMC Broadway Birmingham to an invited audience, the celebratory evening will feature the showing of the film, poetry and a post screening Q+A with the producers.
JOY impressed the Rotterdam International Film Festival PRIX UIP award panel, winning the category as best short film. In addition to now being eligible for a European Film Academy award, the Rotterdam International Film Festival has also selected it for a national tour of The Netherlands. JOY has also been invited to be screened at film festivals throughout Europe. All of this will ensure Joy will be seen by a large international audience.
Quote:
Daily Tiger 29th Jan 2008
Writing on their selection of Joy, the jury stated: ‘This is a wonderfully cinematic short film where content and form are in perfect balance. With its deliberate slow-motion
and skilfully choreographed construction, Joy takes us on a journey not just across the public park of its setting, but on an intriguing imaginative journey.’ SH
Peter Short parks manager enthuses
“We saw the making of the film as an excellent opportunity to show Handsworth park in all it’s glory on an international stage, a lot of work has gone into creating a beautiful outdoor space and we were very excited that the park and local communities have had the chance to work with such an auspicious company (Desperate Optimists) and create a fantastic short film.”
Nina Jowett – Cultural partnerships Officer and project director
“The film was commissioned to allow local people to gain new experiences of the arts. It was a rare opportunity for people to get behind the scenes, put their ideas across and help to make the project the success it has become. The film is beautifully shot and it has been a great honour to watch Desperate Optimists work, they have more than exceeded their reputation in delivering exceptional quality film alongside meaningful community engagement work.”
For further information on JOY, images or quotes contact:
Nina Jowett: Cultural Partnerships Officer on 0121 303 4962 or email:
bob_jowett@birmingham.gov.uk
For further information on Handsworth Park contact:
Peter Short, parks manager on 0121 464 0305.