Last Monday I went to Westminster with Somerset Film to discuss with MPs and industry changemakers the impact of our short film, Brick by Brick.

We wanted to showcase the importance of continued investment in rural communities and sustainable careers within the visual arts. And really bring together the impact of what these opportunities have on individuals and communities.

Deborah Richardson (Creative Director) organised the event with Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox at Portcullis House. We were pleased to be joined by Tonya Nelson, Executive Director of Enterprise & Innovation at Arts Council England, and Monica Chadha British Film Institute (BFI) Governor.

Chair of Trustees, Pauline Burr, articulated beautifully the work that Somerset Film has achieved in recent years. The continued support from funding bodies such as the BFI, the Arts Council and The National Lottery funding is essential for ongoing provision. Especially as Somerset operates separately from Bristol, and receives no other funding apart from occasional commercial projects.

Archie Rowell (Director) spoke about his ongoing work with Somerset Film and NHS , and the impact their work is having amongst the young people they involve.

Louis du Toit (Blossom Day Care) explored the value and impact of opening up exploration and learning provisions around visual arts to adults with learning needs, demonstrating the lasting impact of giving a voice to those whose voice is often lost.

For me, it was a case study on providing an opportunity for growth and engagement after not being able to access these opportunities when I was younger, and providing a collaborative and encouraging space to help me thrive as a screenwriter in deepest, darkest rural England.

But not only that, the value of my unique perspective in supporting a community. By capturing their voice and creating a short film about the challenges the town of Bridgwater is facing, it provided the language to help residents articulate their feelings.

This was so powerfully demonstrated by residents quoting lines from the film on social media to reframe negative posts about their community.

This has been an immensely proud moment, and I'm so grateful for people like Deb and organisations like Somerset Film, who continually take risks to prove that believing in people and their passion is the key to success.

Brick by Brick will be released online in due course, but in the meantime, if you want to know more, please do get in touch 🤗

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