Lights camera action: Octavia and Movember join forces

Movember

3 minutes read time

In a special collaboration, Movember have teamed up with Octavia, a London based not-for-profit organisation offering social housing & care services for vulnerable members of the community.

Led by Tommy Edwards, Octavia offer the transformative free film-making programme ‘Base Productions’, supporting young individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The initiative aims to teach students the technical aspects of filmmaking, as well as build their confidence and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.

As part of the programme, 28 students made the choice to create films about men’s mental health.

They made two short films which they researched, wrote, filmed, and produced, all to a professional standard.

This is where we came in - Movember's partnership offered insight on the subject matter, support during the film-making process and distributing the student's final films on our platforms to increase the opportunity for their voices to be heard.

Tommy Edwards from Octavia said:

‘This wasn’t just a subject the young men wanted to tackle, it was the young women too - it is an important conversation that needs to be had amongst all to help break the stigma. It has been an inspiring experience to watch these amazing young people go on this journey to produce films that speak true to them’

Together, Movember and Octavia are nurturing a new generation of storytellers.

Film 1: Bare Lies

13 year old Obi is the popular kid in school, the life and soul of the party. However when half term comes round and his friends all want to hang out, Obi can't join them. He hides the truth about why as he begins to come to terms with the feelings he has been struggling to face.

Young Cast:

Jayan Smith

Bethelle Frezgi

Nathaniel Mokonen

Film makers:

Director - Jamie Burke

DoP's - Abi Brown and Jeneba Jabbie

Writer - Hyabel Kidane

Producer - Coco John-Baptiste

Sound - Ilya Magshoudian

Production Design - Ayoor Wassagou

1st AC - Kayaprince Ikpeba

BTS Photos - Nathaniel Mokonen

Script Development - Dylan Faye and Paul Akinbola

Film 2: Be Forever You

In the wake of recently losing his Dad, Harry finds a solace in something he knows his eldest brother won't accept; wearing drag. Full of anxiety, Harry is in a battle to overcome the judgement of his brother eyes and his owning growing inner shame and find that belief to express himself fully.

Young Cast:

Krystian Haynes

Kaireece Denton

Damil Angus

Lauren

Film makers:

Director - Aidan Mangan

DoP - Graziela Goncalves

Writer and Producer - Chloe Coumbe

Sound - Nathaniel Mokonen

1st AC - Jamie Burke

2nd AC - Kayaprince Ikpeba