The Grenfell Tower Tragedy

Grenfell Tower Tragedy

It’s been a very difficult week for a lot of people living in West London. A lot of people have lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower tragedy. And then there are the friends and family that have been directly affected in what has been a very tragic and upsetting event.

As a resident of the Kensington and Chelsea borough – and as a part time volunteer at Citizens Advice – I found myself – in some unexpected situations I could not have predicted.

This included interviewing (very briefly) Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, meeting an amazing filmmaker called Janey Ayoade who was helping a strong activist called Neville by filming his story. Briefly meeting Peaky Saku and his friends working as best they could/can to help. Experiencing Mustafa Almansur attempting to collate and lead a committee (due to the Council not being seen anywhere at this point), and hearing the name Ishmahil Blahgrove spoken everywhere I went (I haven’t met him)… but I think he is a brilliant speaker rising up against the mainstream media.

And then there’s the famous face of Lily Allen. Who I met briefly, obviously deeply upset and passionate about helping and using the voice she has to vocalise what she saw. Maybe (and I can only really speculate) aware of her status and not wanting to make the situation about her. The ‘dancing on the fine line of trying to help and intentions being misconstrued’ and taking a lot of flack from the media – one has to be a very strong character to take that on board. 

And then let us not forget the children affected. Ryan Faraji and Tina Faraji aged 6 and 8. Ryan who lost his best friend Yacob. A voice of perspective for his generation. Too young to understand how powerful his message is to the rest of us.

There is a lot to write about this event. But I will not write it all now. I felt as an independent blogger/filmmaker that it was important to capture what was happening, on the ground. Firstly, because I didn’t feel that the media were reporting it authentically. And secondly, because when these families and residents look back on this. They may want to see and reflect on what went on. One day.

I have noted a few names up there. People trying to help. Let it be noted. There are a lot of people not mentioned here trying as best they can, with whatever they can to help as much as they can. This does not take away from the fact that this event – has affected so many people and has been an extremely tragic and heart wrenching situation. And it will always be about those people affected.

Whether I have done the right or wrong thing with capturing these moments. Well. That is arguable and I questioned that myself. And to be honest I don’t know the answer to that. But I did it with the best intention. An attempt to create a ripple effect in the right direction. I felt it was the right thing to do – whilst the media are putting out heavily edited footage.

The trauma that residents are going through is and will be huge. An Iranian woman that survived passed out during an interview with the BBC whilst describing the event to a reporter (which Kimia Zabihyan who was translating at the time claims was never broadcast). Kimia related that the woman wanted her story to be told. Why? Because it was so shockingly traumatic – almost in an unbelievable way (as in – is this really happening in Great Britain today?) that she felt it was important to tell her story.

But for now – above is a ten minute unedited clip and pictures I took, through my eyes.

Unedited – so that. Well you can make your own mind up.

To all those who have lost their lives. Rest in peace. My thoughts are with those directly affected. I’m sorry that this happened to you.

Best,

Becki BXx

#westlondonstrong #grenfelltower

 

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VIDEO: HOME STRAIGHT CHARITY

addiction

Above is a video I shot for a London charity called Home Straight.

Home Straight is a running club that was launched in 2011 for those who were once homeless and/or those battling alcohol and drug addiction.

If you’d like to donate to Home Straight you can do so HERE 

If you’ve suffered from addiction problems and would like to join Home Straight as a member you can do so for free – contact the team via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/homestraightUK

Massive thanks to Jack for talking so openly about his addiction problems.

Becki Bx

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VIDEO: Urban Barrier – London’s Largest Urban Art Show

VIDEO: Urban Barrier – London’s Largest Urban Art Show

I was invited down to Urban Barrier – London’s Largest Urban Art Show curated by Ben Oakley.  Above is a video of just some of the amazing artists that had their work on display… including Fret, Rowan Newton, Carne Griffiths, Ben Oakley, Ray Richardson and Asbo Luv…

Thanks to Yunioshi for their track Tanlines which is out at the end of March – listen to more of them HERE

Buy the art work or get in touch with Mr Ben Oakley HERE

Have a good weekend…

Becki Bx

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The Inspiration Series introduces the patrick james pearson band

Fresh from playing Glastonbury here is an introduction to The Patrick James Pearson Band – one of my ‘one’s to watch’.. one’s to watch rise that is… taken over by past Hard Fi/The Bluetones/My Vitriol’s Management – they have some experienced backing helping them up the greasy pole of the music industry. And we hope they make it (turns to cameralady: don’t we Sophie?). Here we discuss fascism/elitism/classism and music* (all very briefly)… also featuring Richard from Hard Fi…

*We hold no grudges against Peaches Geldof – we are simply using her as an example in the topic of debate.

Thank you to Sophie Lasson on camera!

www.patrickjamespearson.co.uk

I am also recommending www.amnestytv.co.uk – which has educated me a bit today.. worth a watch!

And http://www.hard-fi.com/

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The Inspiration Series goes to Wakestock Festival 2011 – featuring Nero, Hervé, Friends Electric, Modestep + The Joy Formidable

I went along to Wakestock Festival in Wales at the weekend as a guest of Cadbury. Here is a video of the adventure! Featuring Nero, Hervé, Friends Electric, Modestep and The Joy Formidable…oh and I tried a Zebra burger…and took part in the Spot V Stripes, Minute to Win it game which is a new TV show coming to the UK.. I hope you enjoy it!

 
Thanks to Dariush Rashidi for his support as Shooting AP, the bands and the lovely festival goers..

Peace out,

Becki Bx

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