Stories of Hope (Theme for 2024-25)
Films produced by Keele University’s BA Media students examining the theme of ‘Hope’ in the context of the city of Stoke-on-Trent and the wider region of North Staffordshire. The films capture a range of stories documenting how communities and individuals are finding hope despite the wider challenges of political ane economic instability and social polarisation. The films foreground the agency and creativity of the residents of our local region providing a perspective largely absent from mainstream media.
Better Together
A film by Kieran Nelhams, Jack Wong, Joeseph Mcleod, Abraham Ibanga and Kaya Oner (2024-25 student film)
A community support organisation provides a space of hope, friendship and resilience for the residents of Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under Lyme. Better Together is a registered charity, based in Trent Vale, Stoke-on-Trent. An all inclusive organisation providing a safe space in the heart of the community, for people to come in whenever they need company or support.
Part of the Stories of Hope Series
Colours of Stoke
A film by Matthew Ashley, Alfie Kelly, Katherine Chapman, Holly Martella and Bart Kotska (2024-25 student film)
A film about street art in Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme and new artists passionate about regenerating public spaces and animating communities in their local area with colour, energy and hope.
Part of the Stories of Hope Series
Grandad
A film by Emma Lawton (2020-21 student film)
A close look into the life of Hugh Rourke, an 88 year old man living in Tunstall, following the UK government’s decision to place the country under lockdown.
Part of the Pandemic Stories Series
This is Me
A film by Ceren Sertug (2020-21 student film)
Hayat Sebep, a composer, singer, song-writer, from Cyprus finds inspiration from simple, little things and lets us into her experience of the lockdown.
Part of the Pandemic Stories Series
Truth Behind the Skates
A film by Molly Hibbert (2020-21 student film)
The pandemic put an end to the hopes and dreams of many young British figure skaters. Refusing to be denied, they found another way to continue training.
Part of the Pandemic Stories Series
Working from Home
A film by Charlotte Taylor (2020-21 student film)
Emily, an online customer service advisor, struggles to find hope when government lockdown restrictions result in the collision of her working world and home life.
Part of the Pandemic Stories Series
Eid in the Time of Pandemic
A film by Ariij Asif (2020-21 student film)
A mother and son discuss Eid celebrations in a time of global crisis. The film explores the importance of Eid to British Muslims and how the festival was taken away by the pandemic.
Part of the Pandemic Stories Series