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Press release


  • 19 May 2008

Documentary students zoom in on a world of difference


Budding documentary makers at the University of Sussex will take viewers on a voyage of discovery around the globe and back to the world on their own doorsteps with a fascinating line-up of new films to be screened at the first Digital Documentary MA degree show.

The seven full-time students, currently working on their final projects, will present 30-minute films on a wide variety of subjects, including portrayals of an Indian holy sect, earth-goddesses in Turkey and the lives of porters on the Inca trail.

Closer to home, film-makers will be featuring Brighton's Korean community, the plight of Brighton's hidden homeless and the rise of local indie singer Carina Round.

Lizzie Thynne, a professional documentary maker who is also Convenor of the MA Digital Documentary course, says: "This is the first year the course has run and the topics the students are tackling are very impressive. The course has attracted new film-makers from several countries who draw on a wide range of international experience as well as looking at some pressing local issues."

The subject of housing is a concern in two of the films in progress. Jordie Montevecchi's documentary follows a group of Brighton squatters, while Josh Bloom is currently working on his project about Brighton's hidden homeless.

Josh says: "I found out that 30 per cent of these people had jobs, working in low-paid sectors but still homeless. People can't afford the high rents of places like Brighton, even though they are in work. They sleep on friends' floors, in cars or even at their place of work. These are the hidden homeless.

"I hope to challenge the public perception that the only homeless people are the ones you see sleeping on park benches."

Josh is now looking for homeless people in work who would be happy to talk to him about their experience, and possibly be filmed for the documentary.

Notes for editors

  • The completed films will be presented at the degree show on the evening of 4 September 2008 at the University of Brighton's Sallis Benney Hall in Brighton.
  • Anyone wishing to talk to Josh about their experiences or would consider taking part in his film should call Josh on 07813 146715 or contact him by email at jab30@sussex.ac.uk
  • For more information about the Digital Documentary MA and other courses within the Department of Media and Film at the University of Sussex, see: http://www.sussex.ac.uk/mediastudies/index.php

University of Sussex Press office contacts: Maggie Clune and Jacqui Bealing. Tel: 01273 678 888 or email press@sussex.ac.uk

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