I Am Only Human After All Premiered at New Theatre Royal on Wednesday, 30 May 2018. The premiere of short films was the culmination of Portsmouth Film Society’s latest community project run over 20 weeks. Portsmouth citizens from all backgrounds came together to tell their stories through film as as directors, producers, photographers, screenwriters and actors, reflecting on such subjects as homelessness, substance abuse, recovery and multiculturalism.
This event was well attended, with a 200-plus audience drawn from across the community, and supported by a number of charities, the Salvation Army, Friends Without Borders, St James’ Trust, and Aldingbourne Trust, among them. Awards were given by Councillor Lee Mason, the Lord Mayor and Mr Chris Chang,Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Exchange) at the University of Portsmouth and PCC Chancellor Steve Pit. The Film Society gratefully acknowledged National Lottery funding.
Perception – Peter McIver
Punching Bag – Tom Kelly
Billy Bum – Caroline Bryle
Love at First Sight – Billy Stevenson
Forever – Maricar Jagger
Best director – Tom Kelly
Diversity award – Rohina Begum
Best screenplay – Billy Stevenson
Best Student – Jane Muir
Audience Choice ‘Pompeywood Best Film’ – Love at First Sight (director: Billy Stevenson)
Audience Choose: Love at First Sight
Aysegul Epengin, project director, Portsmouth Film Society:
“We approved our students’ different choices and tried to inspire them. We introduced them to a new experience and new friends. There is a Turkish saying “Tell me who your friend is and I’ll tell you who you are”. The same is true of our choices. You have seen the result of 20 weeks of dedication and hard work. We lost 10 students because of battles with challenges such as substance abuse and homelessness. The Christmas season was a particularly difficult time.
But I feel we must applaud each of our students for being themselves and for not being afraid to tell their stories. Above all for believing in themselves as “Only Human After All”’.
The films being made by first time Portsmouth filmmakers reflect on important local issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, people in recovery, disabilities and multiculturalism. The class also includes students who are actively involved in support of these communities.
Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) continues to deliver on its mission to use film to help break down social barriers and unite diverse cultures. Throughout the 20 week course held at the University of Portsmouth, students are being introduced to all aspects of film making encompassing script writing, casting, directing, filming and film editing. The curriculum includes lectures by local film makers and an inspirational tour of Sony’s Digital Motion Picture Centre in Pinewood Studios, London.
“We are encouraged by the talent and dedication of the students and intend to apply and enhance their writing and cinematic skills in future PFS projects.” says chair Cecelia Young.
PFS plans to conduct similar courses in the future and are delighted to have received the Awards For All, Big Lottery, which is making this project possible.
Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) is using film to help break down social barriers and unite diverse cultures. PFS filmmaking course will give an opportunity to dozen vulnerable individuals who will tell their story and reflect on their experiences in Portsmouth, both good and bad.
A variety of short films and documentaries will be produced with people who have been neglected in our community. The project called I Am Only Human After All will premiere at a red carpet event in 2018 and be available on YouTube. The individuals are being referred by the Salvation Army, Recovery Café and Empowering2change, organisations who support our vulnerable citizens struggling with issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, young care issues, people in recovery, youth with diabetes, and multiculturalism.
The project is being coordinated by Aysegul Epengin, founder of the Portsmouth Film Society and PhD student at the University of Portsmouth. The short films will be created by Portsmouth Film Society and film study students in cooperation with the University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, the primary supporter of the Portsmouth Film Society’s weekly screenings.
PFS has run similar courses in the past and we are delighted to receive the Awards For All, Big Lottery, which is making this project possible. PFS’s chair Cecelia Young said: “At the end of the project, we hope the people involved will gain a sense of achievement in making the film, be more confident, be more reflective in public, gain a feeling of being accepted and being clearly human. “
Portsmouth Film Society (PFS) is a member of the British Film Institute (BFI) and Cinema For All (British Film Societies Federation).
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