Telford’s 1985 film ‘Giro’ to show at film festival alongside original film makers
A film made by Telford residents in 1985 will screen next week as a part of the six week long Telford Film Festival. The event will also include a special visit from the original crew behind the film as they reunite for this one-off event.
In 1985 the UK's unemployment rate was at its highest for many years, and a group of young people in Telford decided to make their own documentary about life on the dole.
Working with the support of Birmingham Film and Video Workshop, they travelled the country interviewing everyone from Jimmy Somerville to Ken Livingstone while also giving their own irreverent take on the politics of the time.
The resulting film, which was broadcast in the early years of Channel 4, is a hugely enjoyable slice of punk TV which still resonates today.
Councillor Rae Evans, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Partnerships, Culture & Leisure said: “It’s great to see a mix of both new and old films included within the film festival programme. Many people may remember ‘Giro’ from back when it was produced in the mid-80s but for those who don’t this is a great opportunity to come along and see some of the film footage of Telford from over 30 years ago.”
This year’s film line up as a part of Telford Film Festival is returning this year with a programme which has something to offer everyone with both new and old films.
The original crew behind the film, known collectively as the Dead Honest Soul Searchers or DHSS, will be reuniting for this special one-off event. They'll be joined for a short Q&A after the screening by filmmakers Jonnie Turpie and Graham Peet.
The film will be showing on Friday 4 October at 7pm at Dawley Town Hall. Tickets cost just £4 and can be bought online atwww.ticketstelford.com/whats-on/film/. Alternatively call the box office on 01952 382 382.
Telford Film Festival, which is being organised in partnership with Flatpack Projects who are part of Film Hub Midlands, is running up until Tuesday 22 October with film screenings in venues all over town. Visit the website to see the full film programme.
