Songs For The River

Songs For The River, 2021, 72min, funded by Arts Council England.

Synopsis:
Over the course of a year Charlotte Ginsborg filmed in the housing co-operative that she lives in on the River Thames in central London charting the diverse residents’ experiences of the Pandemic. The film follows the daily lives of the tenants as they face numerous lockdowns, some experiencing the illness itself, and others the stress of work on the front line. The residents came together every Saturday to sing with and to each other from their communal balconies and walkways. These songs form the backbone of the film. What is revealed is their increasing frustrations with the government’s handling of the pandemic, and the emotional roller coaster they experience. The interweaving of the personal and political creates an intimate and moving portrait of a unique community during an extraordinary time.

"A fascinating glimpse into a very recent period of time, this is both intense and provocative" - Business Doc Europe

"A searing image of honesty and resilience" - Loud & Clear

"An impressive piece of documentary filmmaking and a picture of hope" - Backseat Mafia

https://sheffdocfest.com/film/songs-river

Screened at:
Sheffield DocFest 2021 - In the UK Competition & nominated for Best First Feature
Open City Documentary Festival, 2021
Folkestone Documentary Festival, 2021

Director: Charlotte Ginsborg
Producer: Astrid Edwards
DOP: Charlotte Ginsborg
Editor: Charlotte Ginsborg
Composer: Jane Watkins
Sound Design: Ned Sisson
Colourist: Myles Bevan @ Time Based Arts