by Lorna Onabanjo
Inside 2019’s Southend Film Festival Opening Gala
Being from Southend and rather being nowhere else, this particular event made me even more proud to be from such a wonderful town full of unsung creative talent.
Southend Council provided funding ten years ago to have this event showcasing all of our local talent. Local businesses have also shared the responsibility of sponsoring so our local artists have a great platform to showcase their hard work.
In Two Minds
I was moved emotionally to watch a short film written and starred in by local actor Darren Kent who has also starred in ‘Game of Thrones and the cult TV show ‘Blood Drive” to name but a few.
Sandi Bogle also had a debut acting part as a psychologist; this was a great insight to her personality showing she has many paradigms to her personality.
‘In Two minds’ had a very potent message to get across … Do not to suffer in silence!!! Your mental health is key to your well
being. Be your best self and share how you feel. I highly recommend ‘In Two minds’ for all to view. The very last message from the film stated – Police Officers Suicide happens every few weeks. I feel this gets the message across that we are all humans.
The Police are treated generic with no feelings. As a community we should all be aware of our surroundings and support where possible in our local community. As we are all only one or a few choices away from being in a bad or a better situation. Breath and you have found peace.
The Mike Edmonds Story
The second film of the evening was a huge pleasant surprise to me as I didn’t know that Mike Edmunds owned the best video store in Leigh on Sea. I spent my childhood searching through The VHS area in his store not knowing that he was the living legend behind it.
Straight away this reminded me of my childhood memories of happiness.
I’ll be honest with you I have only watched one of the Star Wars saga’s and really enjoyed it with the message behind it ; however I refuse to watch any more , as I would need the time to watch the first episode to the very last one. I’m saving this for retirement.
You cannot get away from how great Star Wars is with worldwide recognition.
Mike Edmond has starred in so many family favourites over the decades from Star Wars, Time bandits, Who Framed Rodger Rabbit to Maid Marion of which was a Favourite of mine on the BBC as a child. Mike of who was also a lush at the ‘Royal Shakespeares Company’
The turnout for the opening gala was packed. this shows how well ‘ The Mike Edmunds Story ‘ will continue to live on and like many other things Mike has starred in will go on to be a cult viewing.
Showing all that behind the scenes and juicy gossip of which is a must.
