Young people in Lambeth have worked together with Oxygen Arts to create Two and a Half Questions – a new film that explores the experiences and aspirations of the Windrush generation and their descendants. The film launched on Wednesday 19 January at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning.
Funded by Lambeth Council’s Elevate Neighbourhoods programme, Oxygen Arts, in partnership with UINCAP capoeira charity, worked with over 30 young people from Lambeth, training them in photography and filmmaking.
A group of these young people then filmed interviews with people of Caribbean and African heritage from all walks of life. These included everyone from lawyers and dancers to politicians, social workers and entrepreneurs.
What emerged was a fascinating portrait of the varied experiences of black people in London over the past 70 years.
Marsha Lowe, Director, Oxygen Arts CIC:
‘This project ran over two years as various lockdowns closed down our training and production. We are so proud of all the young people who took part and especially the young people who stuck with us until the end. They ended up creating a wonderful film that we are all immensely proud of.’
Cllr Sonia Winifred, Lambeth’s Cabinet member for Equalities and Culture, said:
‘As a member of the Windrush Generation I think this piece of work is an important educational effort for our young people, helping them develop new skills and build bonds between the generations.
‘ELEVATE is working hard to help our young people connect with the history and heritage of our borough, while at the same creating opportunities to develop new skills that will be valuable for their futures in the post-pandemic workplace.’
The ELEVATE evaluator Kristina Nilles, from London South Bank University was equally impressed by the project:
‘Two and a half questions’ is a fantastic example of how Oxygen Arts in partnership with UINCAP capoeira charity have worked with and listened to young people in Lambeth. Throughout the project it was evident that the young people’s ideas were valued, they gained new skills and stretched their knowledge of the film industry. Their passion for young people shone through in their caring approach to partnership work.’
Read a review of the screening in Brixton Buzz.
We are now actively seeking partners who would like to show the film. You can watch a short excerpt of the film here. If you are interested in arranging a screening of Two and a Half Questions, please contact marsha@oxygenarts.com