2. Chamberlink July Aug 31-56.qxp_Chamberlink 29/06/2021 11:59 Page 48
ABCC Updates and useful information from the largest ethnic support organisation in the UK Contact: Anjum Khan T: 0845 6036650
Scheme to unearth regional writing talent Sky Studios and Birmingham Repertory Theatre (REP) have joined forces to launch 'Sky Comedy REP’. This is a scheme was aims to unearth and nurture new regional comedy writing talent from across the UK, particularly from communities that have traditionally been under-represented in the arts. The scheme – which has as its patron one of the UK’s best known actors, Dame Julie Walters - will see nine writers chosen to develop a one-act stage play. All the plays will focus around a simple premise, namely a meeting on a park bench. All nine will then be performed at a three-day comedy festival at The REP early next year, featuring up-and-coming actors and emerging directors.
‘Sky Comedy Rep is a unique and ambitious talent development programme’ Throughout the six-month programme, writers will be paid for their work and receive one-to-one mentoring from various comedians, including Meera Syal (‘Goodness Gracious Me’, ‘The Kumars’), Simon Blackwell (‘The Thick of It’, ‘Veep’) Danny Brocklehurst (‘Brassic’, ‘Shameless’) and Guz Khan (‘Man Like Mobeen’). The scheme will also include a series of workshops and Masterclasses at the REP featuring insights into all aspects of writing and production. The initiative will be overseen by the Rep's artistic director, Sean Foley, and Anil Gupta, Sky Studios creative director of comedy. Mr Foley said: “Sky Comedy Rep is a unique and ambitious talent development programme for comedy writing in the UK. Developing and nurturing new talent from wherever it springs is a cornerstone of everything the Rep does, and we are thrilled that this new partnership with Sky Studios will enable new diverse voices to take first steps in our industry. “Comedy is a genre very close to my heart - I’m delighted to be creating this new initiative alongside some of the UK's leading names in comedy, including our patron, the great Dame Julie Walters.” Dame Julie said of the project: "I am honoured to be patron of this important new initiative to provide a platform for new comedy writing talent. “Participants will be given access to some of the very best in the business whilst being given a paid opportunity to develop their skills and materials. I very much look forward to seeing, and enjoying, the final results.”
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India film festival helps bring back audiences The curtain is set to fall on the latest Birmingham India Film Festival, which has been wowing audiences since the end of last month. The festival has been screening the very best of new indie and classic films from the Indian subcontinent. Supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) using funds from the National Lottery, cinema goers were able to see a wide-range of films, including the opening night’s epic premiere of ‘WOMB (Women of My Billion)’. This is an inspirational feature-length documentary telling of one woman, Srishti Bakshi, who walks the entire length of India during 240 days to explore the experiences of other women in its billion plus population. Srishti was later featured live in conversation at MAC Birmingham following the screening. The closing film, ‘Flight’, showcases British Asian film makers and actors and their continued contribution to British cinema’s success, often depicting realistic stories of British Asian immigrant experience. Festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhneysaid of the festival: “Last year we grew our audiences quite substantially by going online and UK-wide. “With the UK scene improving, we are delighted to not only offer a strong high definition online experience on LoveLIFFatHome.com but to also welcome our audiences back to the big screen at MAC Birmingham, Millennium Point, and, for the first time at Everyman at The Mailbox.”
This year’s festival featured a dedicated strand of films focused on the environment, marked Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of its independence, by staging special screenings of the lyrical The Salt in Our Waters. The festival was backed by Birmingham City University.
‘Last year we grew our audiences quite substantially by going online and UK-wide’ Professor Rajinder Dudrah, professor of Cultural Studies and Creative Industries at Birmingham City University, said: “In another challenging year all round, not least for our Indian friends and families, we need the possibility of the new, to be able to look at things differently, for hope, and to create and tell our stories in a myriad of ways. “This summer of BIFF 2021 promises to do just that with a range of stimulating films and events that deal with the topical, to the practical and the uplifting. “Birmingham City University, as in previous years, is pleased to be a partner to this venture that brings thought, escape and creativity to our city and online platforms.” On screen: ‘Too Desi Too Queer’, one the films showing at the festival
