Southern Discomfort project for young filmmakers

Old film from Bexhill and Eastbourne in the 1960's and 70's will be used in a project to help youngsters from both towns understand more about themselves and where they live.

The project, Southern Discomfort, is being run by Willingdon Community School in partnership with the De La Warr Pavilion and the Towner gallery in Eastbourne, and has been awarded funding by Screen South, the agency for the development of film and media in the South East region.

Through a series of workshops with Brighton-based filmmaker George Butler, impressions of both towns will be shot, and then responded to, creating a dialogue through film.

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The young people's work will then be assembled into a new commission, alongside the original archive footage, using an innovative interactive platform, creating a contemporary impression of what it's like to live on this part of the south coast.

All young people involved will also have the opportunity to work towards a national qualification, Arts Award, to develop their creative and leadership skills. The work will be shared through interactive public exhibitions at both partner galleries and online in the Autumn.

Polly Gifford, Head of Education at the Pavilion said: "The project will be part of our 75th Anniversary celebrations.

"We will be working with the Youth Development Service to identify vulnerable young people who we hope will gain both practical skills and increased confidence and a sense of achievement.

"It will be fresh approach to the use of archive material and will continue our commitment to ensuring that young people's voices are part of the on-going story of the De La Warr Pavilion."