Handsworth Songs (1992 C4 61m)

Been meaning to watch this again for a while, finally got hold of a copy at LSBU library. (Oh I love it when you can get hold of somet!)

It sets a visual context by shots of industry and black workers in that..building up to some interwoven narration, almost poetry. Interspersed are the voices of many people involved in the Handsworth riots, and those dealing with the repercussions. With archival footage of the black workers conscious of how they might be deemed by white workers as they migrated.. the story doesn't end there. These riots were at the time of the miners strike and also whilst the Liverpool 47 battle went on.

Some of the various shots for me to consider:

• Industrial, traffic movement, skylines, nature, CCTV, Police, group shots of meetings and organisers, interviews, arguments documented, graffiti, general public movement everyday, statues of leaders of Britain, other archives, some turning toys... dark and menacing.

For me:

1. Possible Thatcher masked person,
2. Statues in Liverpool
3. Parliment
4. What else was going on visualised

1. Footage of newspapers
2. Quotes, words
3. headlines of where the money is
4. Tighten belt
5. What is socialism - trails by Stalinist then and now Defend 4
6. Redundancies tactic
7. Parks,nature, growth
8. Housing
9. Maps, A-Z
10. Other councils then and now
11. Unaffordable housing prices - evictions
12. Bob C and Brendan B - what now?
13. ?Any poetry from then
14. ? 's was it worth it? Participation and process.
15. Music - varied 'What about the WC?' LKJ

47 steps closer

Met with Lisa L today, she originally thought we could do a project about the Liverpool 47 councillor (1983-87). She is up for Producing a documentary and will be brilliant at this. She is also 6 months lumpy... so we will get one 3 day shoot done in early Sep. Several people agreed to be interviewed from my last visit so we can follow that up.

I need to draft the synopsis by the 13th August, why make the film now, what is its relevance, what are we focusing on, whats the story etc.

Am glad, think the history and how people participated and why is so hidden or distorted. Right now what choices have we got?

Real time

Was good to meet James, wonder though why others were not interested or able to commit? Maybe we are older and used to working in real time, as opposed to just virtual contact? Not sure but it was good to set time aside. Sometimes so much can happen and move and sometimes its harder to see.

Was definitely a useful catch up and we have agreed to share blog links, reading each others twice a month and perhaps commenting. We will also add each other to Facebook for the development of audiences for each of us too.

I need to get collaborators to work with on the 3 projects I want to complete in the next 12 months, be they inside or outside or even alongside this MA. I like unfinished finishes, if that makes sense, but unfinished can also be a lack of commitment. Nothing really ends but something else can grow if I give it a clear space and possibility. My production skills are low, no, level but I want these tools to explore this world with and through that I talk with you all. Without words, without words.

What next ??

Later I meet with James, good to catch up on his project, which is and has been very clear.. and mine which is an committed mess. Will I only do what is useful collecively or do I have the courage to step outside that? To step inside the detail and move further. Sometimes I do and that's no bad thing. I have choices again and need to make some decisions.

To help prepare for today, I have read and looked over this whole blog, a tool for reflection too. Not up to date and there is so much more that could go in but its useful as reminders, ongoing questions and focus.

Will listen to the dictaphone of my presentation too later. That should help with reflection and direction - where was I then a month ago, where am I now. What have a done since then? What more do I need to do? I have time, and I do not have time. I have some skills but I also worry too much that it leads to a paralysing fear to do, to commit. What have I really got to loose right now? What and who? Nothing but my own sense of me, relationship to the outside world. Relationship to all of this, come closer, slip into the water and feel it.

Coming into focus - whilst they push me out

I know I should write about my MA work but its not as simple as that. Today, yesterday the things I am involved in, are not as simple as they could be. Is it just about I perceive something or how I deal with something? A combination of the two, interwoven. What I put up with creates a path, it creates a path one that seems like the only path, but its not. Today I felt closer to you and them, and less hurt by you but your rough, too rough...

What did I get from being in Liverpool? I went for a week and arranged several meetings with old friends some who have worked with film and others who have made incredible differences. Their openess a chat.. cathy, becki, ruth, ti, dave and pete, was quite moving.

Years ago, I ran to Liverpool and found this, my darkest days were forced open by this light and possibility with a passion and a strength I've yet to match. I was (and can be) a dark force and you all let me in, opened your arms and let me in. Your more to me than I think you all will ever realise.

What do I remember about that time? Why is this relevant today? Housing...challenge, housing solution.. spirit, humour, involvement, participation at a scale and depth unrivalled.

My clouds in pants

Through her window I see the most beautiful clouds.. from inside they are framed away from me.
Looking to the sand, and how the water moves it...
And dam, I love reflections....clouds melting, dancing, holding onto the water.

Should I be looking at something else, probably. But in between all of that...I also see this.

And more of this.

Can't help what I like to see, what I want to explore, even if I know its not the most important focus right now...its a part of what I see and I need it to also take part in the rest.

Not propaganda, not dark, not realistic stalinistic representations of how the workers are in struggle, above, around, inside the movements. I am here too. I see this and feel this too.

July