Films

We commissioned five filmmakers to create this collection of short films that delve into the heart of the Living Memory Project. Each film offers a unique perspective on the project, celebrating the stories, memories, and experiences shared by participants and collection holders.

Holly Wilkinson reflects on the Living Memory Project, inviting participants and collection holders to share their personal journeys and experiences. Her film provides a glimpse into the project's activities and the impact it has had on those involved.

Lauren Hatchard and Olivia James present two exquisitely crafted films. Love By Chance is a touching portrayal of Gary and Dorothy Watton's life story, beautifully complemented by their cherished photographs. Raised by Canals offers a rich narrative of the Will King photography collection, as told by his daughter, Ruth. Lauren also created They Said I Was a Muslim, a powerful film that weaves together animation, sound, and still images to tell Emaan Syed's compelling story.

Keith Bloomfield from Reel Access teamed up with poet Brendan Hawthorne to create From Blue Bricks to Blue Plaque, a delightful film featuring staff and pupils from Joseph Turner Primary School in Tipton.

Additionally, our own team produced two short vignettes, capturing Keith Hodgkins and Ruth Collins in conversation about their personal collections.

The Living Memory Project Fiim

This new film by Holly Wilkinson takes a look back at the Living Memory Project. The film asks participants and collection holders to share their experiences of participating on the project and documents some of the project's activities.

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They Said I Was A Muslim

A beautifully illustrated retelling of Emaan Syed's fascinating journey of self-discovery, looking back at old family photos and mapping out the path from childhood that lead to finding her identity as the strong Muslim woman she is today.
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A film by Lauren Hatchard commissioned by the Living Memory Project.

Raised by Canals

Raised by Canals chronicles the life and memories of Ruth Collins, who was born in a toll house in 1939. Her story is intertwined with the iconic black and white images of canals from the photography collection created by her father Will King between 1930 and 1960.  Read more..

A film by Lauren Hatchard and Olivia James commissioned by the Living Memory Project.

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Love By Chance

Love by Chance tells the endearing story of Gary and Dorothy Watton who met at Chances Bros Ltd in Smethwick in 1956. Read more..

A film by Lauren Hatchard and Olivia James commissioned by the Living Memory Project.

Blue Bricks to Blue Plaque

Blue Bricks to Blue Plaque is s a school-based project led by local poet and performer Brendan Hawthorne and filmmaker Keith Bloomfield, to creatively explore and respond to a selection of photographs from the Keith Hodgkins archive. 

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Keith Hodgkins

In this vignette Keith talks about one of his favourite photographs and takes the opportunity to reflect upon some important changes to the industrial and urban landscape of the Black Country. You can see more material from Keith’s archive in the collections section.

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