CREATING LEGACY THROUGH STORYTELLING

PART OF HIVE CURATE’S ALICE BILLINGS CONNECTS PROGRAMME (2023)

This was part of the Alice Billings Connects Programme by Hive Curates, which was cultural programme along Stratford High Street to reinvigorate interest in Alice Billing House.

Us.Man.Dere are a collective of young cultural tastemakers set on transforming the way stories are told and the impacts they leave behind. In Summer 2023 Hive Curates commissioned UMD to work together to tell the stories behind the local businesses, provoke conversation around stories in the hopes of unearthing the culture and community that exists in the area. How do we preserve the cultural identity of changing high streets and how can culture support local culture?

This commission was one centred around celebrating the culture in the community we live in. The stories told are that of grit and family. Understanding the lives of those who not only operate within the morals but their passions and commitment to their customers and community.

Hive Curates premiered ‘Beyond the Market’ on 21st September 2023.

The night included the their recent film 'Rebirth' and the screening of short pieces by young local residents from the 'Newham through your eyes' open call and some poetry readings from Jonasiah Claudia and of course, Beyond The Market. The evening was rounded off with Us.Man.Dere directors Q&A where we got behind the scenes of both films.

Images from the screening were taken by the talented Grace Moignard and the stills on set were taken by UMD producer Kamila Szymkiewicz.