A 10 Year Portrait Of England Documentary Film

ENGLAND ON 16MM FILM

Hello, I'm Paul Daly, and I’m seeking your support to complete my portrait of England documentary film. For almost a decade, I’ve documented England at a time of significant turmoil and division, travelling across the country with a Bolex 16mm film camera.

For the first part of this documentary (“Mirrors”), I was fortunate enough to receive a short film grant from BFI-backed, Doc Society. However, I now face a funding gap to complete its second part. With the early announcement of a July election, I am seeking your help to be able to cover this pivotal event, which is essential for the film’s completion.

ABOUT THE FILM

This film started as a tribute to my home city of Coventry, but quickly grew into a study of England, capturing the rich tapestry of communities, cultures, trades, and traditions.

What I have filmed includes the NHS during COVID-19, pro- and anti-Brexit protests, the Black Lives Matter movement, Extinction Rebellion, trans rights protests as well as those who oppose them, political party conferences, community events, such as those around Grenfell; St George’s and remembrance days, and royal ceremonies.

It has been essential for me to cover different sides of the political spectrum to reflect England and its diverse perspectives without bias. To assume this lens and standpoint, I hope to start conversations between a fractious England and show some of the differing realities behind the headlines.

As I mentioned above, the first part of the project, titled "Mirrors", was supported in post-production by BFI Doc Society and premiered in competition at Sheffield Doc Fest 2022. It was later longlisted for the prestigious BIFA Best British Short Film award. More information can be found here: 

paul-daly.co.uk/Mirrors 

The second part, "Shadows", has been in production for the last 3 years following the COVID-19 lockdown and includes strike action, protest, class, royal ceremonies, and will culminate with the general election.

Once completed, both films will be fit for exhibition, public screenings, and events, which as a supporter of this film, I would love you to be a part of.

THE PRODUCTION JOURNEY

The film is independently made, driven by compassion, empathy, and a commitment to documenting without political bias. I have dedicated almost 10 years towards its creation, and the journey has given me a wealth of joy and purpose. However, with public arts funding being highly competitive and scarce, independent filmmaking remains incredibly challenging.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Capturing the general election is crucial for the completion of this documentary. And as you can imagine – with it being less than a month away, time is of the essence. I have several public arts and film applications, but they are currently pending, and even if I am lucky enough to be awarded them, they would not be able to support this imminent funding shortfall to cover the election.

Having covered the party conferences last year and come toe to toe with cross-party politicians and the Prime Minister himself, my lens now turns to the general election, the climax of this decade-long narrative. Alongside the mainstream media’s narrative, I believe that independent documenting of this political moment is more important now than ever before.

All paths have led here, so much hangs in the balance, and I will truly struggle to capture this significant moment without your support!

Here is some more information on what your money would go toward.

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL BE USED

Your donations will directly fund the purchase of 16mm film, travel, and accommodation necessary to cover cross-party campaigns, protests and events nationwide. With filming already underway, your support will have an immediate impact.

To give you a clearer idea of where your money goes, here is the full price of 16mm film:

100ft roll (2.5 minutes) - £60

400ft roll (10 minutes) - £160

The fundraising goal will allow for approximately 120 minutes worth of film and its processing.

With travel and accommodation, I predominantly travel via public transport, occasionally staying in hotels or hostels if I can't stay with a friend. A £20 contribution would allow me to purchase a single train fare to London, for example.

Even smaller contributions can accumulate in a meaningful way too. Whatever you can give will still make a difference!

WHY FILM?

Film is raw, imperfect, and impermanent, just like life itself. Nothing captures reality with as much feeling and honesty. Its use also brings the past into conversation with the present. For instance, my project echoes the subject matter of Patrick Keiller's “London” and John Akomfrah's “Handsworth Songs” - both were shot on film.

SUPPORT THIS HISTORICAL AND UNIQUE RECORD

By supporting this project, you contribute to a unique, standalone film that will serve as a zeitgeist for the last decade. This documentary is a beacon of beauty, hope, and the potential for a better future.

If you can, please share this fundraiser with family, friends, and colleagues.

Thank you for your support!

Paul Daly