Redditch Borough Poem Film

Last month I posted about a project I was involved in during 2019/20, which due to COVID restrictions had to become something different to the original concept. It became a wonderful collective poetry film produced by maz broadcast.

The official release happened at the end of January so I can now reveal it in full glory.

With thanks to Stewart Sanderson (Arts Development Officer/ Leisure and Cultural Services).

Redditch Borough Poem

Produced last year in line with Government restrictions, we’re delighted to be sharing the Redditch Borough Poem film version with you. Featuring responses to the Borough from residents and community organisations – and produced by local filmmaker Mazen Salmou, with support from Arts in Redditch and Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees. Copyright © 2020 Bromsgrove District Council

In January 2020 a group of Redditch residents each wrote their own lines of a poem about the borough and what it means to them. Shortly after the poem was finished, Lockdown 1.0 happened and Covid struck. Now, one year on from the start of the project, as we navigate through lockdown 3.0, this virtual reading has been released to bring hope to all and offer a celebration of our Town.

The filming of this video took place at a time restrictions were eased and appropriate PPE and distancing was adhered to. Thank you to Arts in Redditch and Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees for supporting this project – and to all the community groups and individuals who took part for being so generous with their time and creativity.

If you would like to know more details about the poetry project or the virtual reading, please contact Redditch Borough Council.

Back in 2019 I had the pleasure of meeting Stewart Sanderson (Arts Development Officer/ Leisure and Cultural Services, Bromsgrove District & Redditch Borough Councils), he decided to unite the community in the Borough through poetry. He approached local poets to write a line or two about the town of Redditch.

By 2020 Covid kyboshed the original performance plans for this project and Stewart had to go back to the drawing board. But despite several Lockdowns he persevered and the results are now available to view.

It was a bit of a milestone for me, as filming happened in early Autumn. I had been self-isolating since March 22nd, my Furlough finished in August and I’d signed back with work, although there were no assignments. I had only been on local nature walks, to the Drs and to the supermarket, life contained in a 3 mile radius for more than half the year and I was terrified about the idea of going into the workplace. So I opted to film rather than shoot video from home. Maz did a spectacular job of stitching the films together.

The hope is this piece will help lift spirits at what is, for many of us, a challenging time... a real testament to the creative spirit and affection for Redditch locally. – Stewart Sanderson

This is just the teaser – I will share the video once it has been shared across the networks.