THOSE on the margins of society have been given a voice thanks to a series of innovative films.
Life’s A Lottery premiered at HOME cinema in Manchester on July 30 and is now available to view online.
Comprising of ten individual films, Life’s A Lottery features ordinary people who have experienced common issues, such as homelessness, mental health problems, gender identity, family breakdown, bereavement and addiction.
It was created by Acting on Impulse, a charity which works with homeless and socially excluded people. The charity was launched by former Altrincham Grammar School for Girls student Lauren Pouchly.
Life's A Lottery producer Lauren Pouchly with director Garry Paton
The two-minute films show characters contemplating what they would do if they won the Lottery. However, all is not as it seems and, as the glamour of the prospective dreams fade away, the truth of each person’s situation comes to light.
The 20 actors, all members of Acting on Impulse, developed their stories during workshops late last year and the films were shot over four days in a studio and on location.
The actors finally got to watch themselves on the big screen at the films’ premiere and they received a standing ovation from the 200-strong audience.
The actors at the premiere of the films at HOME in Manchester
Lauren, who wrote and produced the films, said: “The ten films are based on one theme, but all very much with individual messages and style.
"Each film is simply titled with the actors’ names. It is personal to the group and some moments are really raw. I had tears in my eyes at the end of many of the films; there are some heartbreakingly truthful moments. “I am so very proud of our actors.”
Sale actor Benjamin Morris was protagonist in one of the films. He played a stroke victim and fellow Trafford-resident Vincent Twyford played the role of his carer. Benjamin is a disability actor, and also starred in Acting on Impulse film ‘The Box’.
Benjamin Morris (right) and Vincent Twyford (left) in their Life's A Lottery film
Life’s A Lottery director Garry Paton said: “I worked on the films because there are so many grassroots issues that are being forgotten by society today. We show the dreams and aspirations of real people.
"We then subvert the stories to reveal their true situations, citizens who in everyday life are being neglected, left and ignored because society just doesn’t have the time, money or space for them.
“I want to show that everyone has a dream and it’s up to every individual to stand up and make changes for themselves and for others. If people think the homeless villages are an eyesore, the solution is not to bulldoze them, but to think about and challenge the reason they are there.”
To see all of the films, click here.
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