THAMESMEAD: Old films to be reshown at festival (From News Shopper)

THAMESMEAD: Old films to be reshown at festival

10:03am Monday 6th July 2009

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A LITTLE piece of Thamesmead history will be shown as part of an annual festival.

Residents will get a chance to watch a series of films about the town as part of a new community film project, Thamesmead 21st Century Town.

The films, which were made from the late 60s to the early 80s by the Greater London Council to encourage new residents, will be shown as part of the Trust Thamesmead Festival.

Many of the films have not been seen since they were made but Chocolate Films has been working with the London Metropolitan Archives to digitally remaster them for the event.

Films include Thamesmead 68 and 70, showing the construction of the town and Living in Thamesmead (1974), a short drama starring Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory).

Audiences will also be invited to share their thoughts, opinions and memories on camera as part of a forthcoming documentary which will follow the films return home and the social history of Thamesmead.

The project will culminate in a two day filmmaking workshop in which residents will make their own film about life in Thamesmead today.

Chocolate Films director Mark Currie said: “The town has had many faces in film and media in the past, and we’re really looking forward to uncovering what the residents think about these films, and hearing their stories about life in Thamesmead.”

The Trust Thamesmead Festival takes place in Birchmere Park on Saturday (July 11) between 1pm and 3pm. Admission is free (and includes popcorn).

Do you live in Thamesmead or are you a past resident? Perhaps you remember the films being made? Share your memories below.

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