Former heavyweight boxing champion Audley Harrison and England women’s football superstar Rachel Yankey are among a host of local celebrities and residents who’ve taken part in a new film about Brent.
The 30 minute documentary film by Brent Housing Partnership, which manages and owns social homes in the borough, entitled Stories of Brent took eight months to complete and features locals talking about life in the borough.
Nadia Khan, executive producer of the film, said: “This is about how local people see Brent and its future. Sometimes people can have a sense of disconnection; we wanted to make a film about community.
“We have a wealth of talented and committed people here, we’re also one of the most diverse boroughs in London. This is about celebrating that and hopefully helping to make it an even better place.”
The film, which will premiere on June 17 at the Brent Civic Centre in Wembley, also features former Boney M lead singer Liz Mitchell who grew up in Harlesden.
She said: “I was born in Jamaica and came to live in Brent in the early 60s. I have travelled around the world, but Brent really represents home to me. It’s where I grew up, where I went school and where I hold the wonderful memories of getting married.
“Brent has so much talent, there is a very positive energy in the air and it’s a very important place for music. I am proud to say I grew up here.”
The documentary is part of Brent Council’s Love Where You Live campaign.
Brent Council hopes to instill a sense of pride in the community while “encouraging residents to take ownership of the borough and the opportunities available”.
Other local celebrities featured include boxer Ashley Theophane, film director Samuell Benta, boy band and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Sakyi 4, Kiss FM DJ AJ King as well as local Labour MP Dawn Butler.
In total, more than 150 people, including residents and local businesses, were interviewed for the film - all were either born or raised in Brent.
Clary Salandy of Mahogany Carnival Design in Harlesden, said: “We were so pleased to take part. It’s very important to feel you’re part of where you live.
“There are people who’ve been here for many years and some who are new. This is a really good way to get to know who your neighbours are.”
Also featured in the film is Brent and Kilburn Times digital editor Lorraine King who said: “I was flattered they asked me. I’m Brent born and bred, although if this film is a success I might be off to Hollywood.”
The premiere will feature a short pre-film concert by St. Michaels’ Steel Band and be followed by a Q&A with Rachel Yankey and the film’s producers.
There is also a Facebook campaign being run, encouraging people from Brent to share their personal ‘Brent stories’.
For more information and details about tickets for the premiere go to facebook.com/brentstories.
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