Monday 12 March 2012

The people of Barnet speak in A Tale of Two Barnets

Press Release : 11th March 2012
                                                             
The People of Barnet are given a voice

A Tale of Two Barnets
World Premiere
Monday 19th March - 6-8pm
The Phoenix Cinema,
52 High Road,
East Finchley,
London
N2 9PJ

A DOCUMENTARY about the way people in Barnet are coping with life in 2012 has been commended for giving the people of Barnet a voice. Filmmaker Charles Honderick spent six months interviewing people around the London Borough of Barnet and has made a film which is powerful, moving and funny.

Charles said “We hear all the time about reality television, but we never hear the views of ordinary people. “ Some of the people who appeared in the film gave their views on the experience, why they appeared and what they hoped the film would achieve. Here’s what they had to say:


Stan Davison, war veteran, member of Barnet 55+ forum.
The film's title "A Tale of Two Barnets" has a good local touch, yet relates to the national scene, the message is clear, 'broad campaigning  in unity' is the message. As a war veteran, trade unionist and campaigning pensioner in the community that suits me fine. We are in a people's fight. I am glad to be part of this action.


Bernard Cochrane – Operator Bushey Mill Care facility
I got involved to express my concerns and raise awareness of issues.
I specifically wanted to make people aware of the issue of The London Borough of Barents 'independent' LATC [Local Authority Trading Company] and how it affects independent care providers.


John Sullivan – Parent Carer
I wanted to appear in this film because the voice of  those with a disability and the elderly are not being heard. I hope this film exposes to the general public the misinformation being distributed by Barnet councillors, wherein they are saying that everything in the garden is rosy and everybody has been meaningfully consulted  on the privatisation of support services when that  is simply untrue.



Tirza Waisel-Cohen – Social Worker
Old, disabled and ill people are the ones who are most voiceless simply because they are burdened by their particular vulnerability. They have so many problems and issues to take care of at a time when they most lack energy and confidence precisely because of their illness, frailty or disability - and the fact they are the ones picked on is an injustice that screams volumes and must be urgently rectified. That's completely besides the fact that any of us who are lucky to be able bodied and healthy can become vulnerable in that way any day. Not the point - but worth remembering and reminding ourselves….

Award Winning director, Ken Loach has given the film his full backing. He says “In the film you will hear some of the stories about the privations people are undergoing. It’s particularly savage if you are disabled, if you don't have much money, if you are old, and if you are young.” -  See Ken Loach talk about "A Tale of Two Barnets" in an exclusive interview.
The film has made the front page of the Barnet Press, a leading local paper in the London Borough of Barnet 










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