Film as Social Activism

A film screening followed by a lively discussion about the power of film and community as social activism.

What do you see when you imagine social activism? Blocked roads?

How about paper and pens, stories, cameras, bread and vegetables… all interwoven with a dose of good craic, creativity and lively conversations over a shared meal.

For 25 years social activists esc films have been working on interfaces – between communities, within criminal justice and mental health, between faith spaces and LGBTQIA+ worlds. They believe in the power of film to create change, challenge thinking and transform lives.

They’re good friends of The Long Table – a “community meal with room for everyone” that serves Belfast’s homeless and refugee communities every week.

Come for an evening film screening and take part in a discussion around the power of film and community as social activism, visiting esc films’ extensive catalogue of hard-hitting and sensitive stories that give insights into real lives, real issues, and real solutions.

In a time where fabricated lies masquerade as truth, when the powerful manipulate the media, driven by their own greed for profit. When the powerless are voiceless, invisible, and ignored… it is time to listen to real people’s stories, told in their own authentic voices, potent with honesty, full of courage, standing with conviction. These are the stories that need to be told.

Master storytellers, esc films have been on a long journey of creativity for 25 years across Ireland north and south. This evening will be a celebration of a quarter century of social activism – fuelled by food, powered by film, creating real personal and systemic change.

esc films are inspired by these words of Augusto Boal, our mentor and patron: “Empowering passive spectators to become active performers in the rehearsal for change in their own lives… Philosophers have interpreted the world, but the point is to change it.

They have tried to change the world, with their feature film Mickey B. It is a world first – a film made within Maghaberry high security prison with serving prisoners as cast. It shows what can be done, if we give people access to participate in something creative and meaningful. The film is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, set in a prison, which has now been translated into nine languages and has toured worldwide. You can read more about Mickey B here.

esc films have worked hard to create change over the years… using storytelling, drama and film. With looked after children, with young people on cross-community interfaces, with young people who have experienced Child Sexual Exploitation, with prisoners self-medicating their trauma through addiction, people in secure mental health units, people who have survived institutional and childhood sexual abuse. With medically retired prison officers, some of whom have been tortured and deeply traumatised. With young people who have suffered from cancer or lost a parent to the disease. With people who have lived experience of severe mental illnesses, learning disabilities, substance abuse, people living in poverty, with intergenerational trauma, refugee communities, domestic abuse survivors, people who are homeless, victims and survivors.

Come get a flavour of their films, ask your questions, consider what it means to be a social activist in the face of today’s growing challenges. Explore how we all, together, on the ground, in the sea, on the page and on screen can create change that will impact lives.

Dr Kirsten Kearney (CEO & Producer, esc films) – described recently in the Belfast Telegraph as “a softly-spoken middle-aged revolutionary” (not her favourite description) has over 17 years’ experience running esc films; working with organisations and participants to produce engaging powerful short films. She is most proud of being on the forefront of the Fairtrade movement in Belfast, writing the bid that gained Belfast Fairtrade City Status, co-founding and directing the NI Mental Health Arts Festival (www.nimhaf.org) and creating www.inclusivefaith.lgbt – a website housing multiple stories, talks, theological journeys and lists of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people of faith in NI, ROI and the UK. With a background as an award-winning poet and seasoned writer, she works sensitively and creatively in the storytelling and film production process. She is passionate about mental health, seventh chances, equality and diversity.

Tom Magill (Artistic Director, esc films) esc films’ co-founder and current Director. Tom discovered the power of creativity and education in his prison cell. He is a seasoned facilitator, interviewer and writer, a professionally trained, award-winning actor, and film director with 25 years’ experience. Tom has extensive skills in group facilitation, script devising and editing. His specialism is transforming people’s traumatic lived experience using storytelling, drama, and film. He empowers people with lived experience to write and perform their own stories. He believes firmly that nothing is more compelling and authentic than the raw truth of a true story, told by someone who lived it. Tom has shared this work at 35 universities in 14 countries globally.

Hosts for the evening The Long Table stand for “community and food with room for everyone.” It’s a response from a local faith community, Redeemer Central, that meets at 101 Donegall Street, Belfast, to the cost of living crisis, to social isolation, to the gradual and continuing dehumanising of those living on the streets or those new to our shores, dealing with the complexities of the immigration system. Each Friday evening (6-7pm) a team of volunteers serve a free nutritious meal in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Their mission is to be a welcoming, safe space for everyone on the streets of Belfast. The community gather surplus food from local supermarkets, cook up a storm, sit, eat, chat and laugh together. Any surplus food is free to anyone who wants to take it home. They work on the principle of build a longer table not a taller wall. On the night we will be hearing about their particular, hands-on brand of activism.

NB. 101 Donegall Street is a beautiful, unique venue but is also an old building – disabled access is by ramp and while there is a ground floor toilet it is not a specific disabled toilet. If you require more information please fill out the contact form at https://redeemercentral.com/101donegallst#enquiries