A film celebrating the bright and beautiful diversity of Brent was launched with a special sing-out from one of its most iconic stars.

%image(15563933, type="article-full", alt="Hamera Khan told the panel Brent "is a kickass borough' at the Stories of Brent film premiere (pic credit: Jonathan Goldberg)")

Residents past and present joined together for the screening of Stories of Brent in a special red carpet event at Brent Civic Centre.

The film, in support of Brent Council’s Love Where You Live campaign, was produced by Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) to celebrate the community spirit.

%image(15563934, type="article-full", alt="Pupils from Chalkhill Primary School in Wembley attended the Stories of Brent film premiere in Brent Civic Centre (Pic Jonathan Goldberg)")

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the council, Boney M’s Liz Mitchell, football star Rachel Yankey and Kiss FM’s AJ King, are just a few of the well known faces that contributed to the film and who also sat on a panel to answer any questions.

‘Lady Paulette’ Harris-German, compering, said: “The film is a beautiful legacy. We can really let the world know that we are here, what we have achieved and what we have done.”

%image(15563935, type="article-full", alt="AJ King of Kiss FM who grew up in Harlesden and England football star Rachel Yankey at the Stories of Brent premiere")

A plucky pupil from Chalkhill Primary School stood to ask: “There are pot holes in the road and my mum drives in them so what is Brent going to do about that?”

Liz Mitchell, of Boney M, delighted the crowd when she sang a verse of the pop group’s hit song “Brown Girl In The Ring” when put on the spot by another resident.

%image(15563937, type="article-full", alt="Lorraine King being interviewed for the film at Brent Civic Centre")

Following a performance by the Capital City Academy band and dancers, Ms Mitchell said: “I’ve come full circle, starting out in a band like them then travelling all over the world. All the things that make Brent special are still here, the heart and the spirit of the place is still here.”

Lorraine King, Brent & Kilburn Times digital news editor and resident in the borough, defends independent and local businesses in the 22-minute film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6_O2ESoqy4&feature=youtu.be

She said: “It’s a great film, it promotes our borough in a really positive way.”

Nadia Khan, from BHP, whose idea the film was, said: “We made it over eight months, holding workshops with different groups and individual interviews. We wanted to break down barriers and instill pride in our community.”

Stories of Brent was supported by Oakray’s, a mechanical and electrical services contractor.