Note From The Director
Hello everyone,
To briefly bring you up to speed, myself and my colleague River (producer) started shooting this documentary back in the summer of 2019. We were shocked by the reports of stalling life expectancy in the UK. The growing pressures and inequalities upon those most vulnerable.
Therefore, our aim was to start a conversation locally around the issues of inequality, housing and homelessness. We thought what better way to capture this window in time, of a city, the voices and stories we knew were there. The backdrop at the time being the devastating impact of austerity upon the country, since the financial crash in 2008. Consequently weakening those vital safety nets we’ve always relied on. A promise from one generation to the next unravelling. So, with the number of rough sleepers on the rise, the effects of COVID-19, inflation, conflict overseas and the looming climate crisis, everything we captured and spoke about in 2019 now seems to be more critical and important than ever.
“And for me, the movies are like a machine that generates empathy. It lets you understand a little bit more about different hopes, aspirations, dreams and fears. It helps us to identify with the people who are sharing this journey with us.” Roger Ebert, 2005.
We interviewed and followed a number of individuals for over a year and a half, in and around the City of Gloucester, South West England. They were from all walks of life with differing views and opinions. As you can imagine, in March 2020 due to the COVID lockdown, we had to down tools. We were only able to start up again when it was safe and appropriate to do so. We then made the decision to continue filming as the pandemic had affected our participants and their lives greatly.
So, why do we need your help?
At this moment in time we’ve finished filming everything we need to shoot. We now just need to start assembling the footage. The teaser trailer we’ve linked to our website should give you a bit of an idea of what we’ve been up to (with no spoilers). You’ll hear part of the original score composed by musician Dean Jones. The editing, colour grading and audio mix by Katherine Glynne-Jones and Tom Crawford. We’ve also linked to the website our Crowdfunder page where you can donate. The post-production team we’ve assembled are of course all freelance, so the financial contributions that anyone makes will go directly to Dean, Katherine and Tom to finish the film.
Myself and my colleagues are so keen to show you the finished documentary. We are now more determined than ever to tell this story of the unheard. Getting it out to a wider audience and contributing another line to the ongoing conversation. Championing those who are standing up for truth and justice. An antidote to pessimism and hopelessness. Keeping the dream alive of a better future for all.
In solidarity,
Sam.
BLACK DOG WAY
In the winter of 2016, Steve found himself homeless aged 49, in the wake of a family tragedy. His story is like many others. 219,000 in England alone, every single year.
Steve was a victim of circumstance and a man suffering from his memories. He became trapped moving through the support system, trying and failing to navigate his way back. Experiencing the system from the inside, he saw it as fundamentally broken. After getting himself back on his feet, he vowed to ensure others wouldn’t go through the same experience. He became a homeless advocate, helping people and asking for nothing in return. In doing so, he became a voice for those in need. He remained determined in the belief that things could and should be better. Steve set out, along with many others in the city of Gloucester, to do just that.
This is Steve’s story.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re interested in the film and project, want to book a screening, donate to the project or have a general question, feel free to use the contact form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.