Welcome to our weekly Storytelling Highlights. Here we share our weekly dose of things we’ve spotted that are great examples of storytelling. Here’s our list of things we’ve seen, heard or read about and would like to share with you.
But before we start we’re thrilled to announce the launch of #SMEX17 yesterday, our fifth Social Media Exchange providing a creative day of digital storytelling training, do find out more here. It’s a great day to be involved with and hope you can come along.
Back to the highlights- you know the drill, make yourself a cup of tea, grab a pair of headphones and enjoy.
1. I, Daniel Blake
Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake is in cinemas from today. His new film puts a spotlight on the modern British welfare state highlighting where its cruelties lie through his powerful storytelling. It brings to light a myriad of issues of the benefit system that need to be addressed, giving a voice to the stories of people living in poverty which are so often misrepresented. We managed to catch a preview and it is definitely a must-see, read what sounddelivery’s Helena thought about it. We definitely recommend everyone going to see it.
2. No Place to Call Home
On Wednesday BBC Two broadcast ‘No Place to Call Home’ a documentary revealing the extent of the current housing crisis in Britain. A lack of affordable homes, rising rents and 70% of council housing sold, there has been a rise in people facing homelessness. This programme put a spotlight on the housing officers in Barking and Dagenham who face queues of people facing eviction and seeking help every day. A similar programme was broadcast a year ago under the same name, and it makes you think what has really being done to tackle this issue.
3. Women in One
BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour have created these wonderful audio snapshots of women of all ages and backgrounds as they answer personal questions about their life, love, childhood and fears and confess what makes them tick. The ‘Women in One’ audio series gives us an insight into women’s lives and opinions all across the country. It’s a great use of audio storytelling, simple to collect but provides powerful peeks into different lives and subjects.
4. International Photography Awards
We wanted to say a huge congratulation to Giles Duley on winning the 2016 International Photography Awards for his powerful portraits that tell the story of Syrian refugees in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Through his photography he gives a voice to often invisible communities. At our September event Being the Story he spoke of the difference sharing an authentic story can make to an individual’s life leaving the audience feeling inspired.
5. Pure Insight
Pure Insight are a great organisation who work with and advocate for careleavers. In this short film they demonstrate the importance of the work they do with young people. We hear directly from both the young people they provide vital support to and also the mentors who are invested in helping care leavers through the challenges they may face.
There’s rarely just five things on our highlights. This week we also loved….
British Heart Foundation’s creative Twitter campaign #RestartAHeart.
Shortcut – A great new feature from This American Life hoping to solve podcasts’ shareability problem.
and don’t forget to watch Stand Up To Cancer tonight at 7pm Channel 4!
Do keep us updated with what you think I should be finding out more about.
And if you like what you read – do help us by sharing it and spreading the word
Jude and Helena the sounddelivery team
@sounddelivery
The Social Media Exchange returns on Monday 6th February at Resource for London, follow #SMEX17 on Twitter for updates. Book your super-early bird place now to be part of a practical and interactive day of digital storytelling skills.
