March 28, 2024
Reyna Film Still

The short film, Last Leg, was directed by Ella Bennet. The screenplay is by Jake Bryson and Ella Bennett. It has won several awards, including Crystal Palace International Film Festival London UK 2016. Last Leg is based on a true story, which highlights a hidden aspect of the society we live. An Afro-Caribbean girl, named Reyna, who has the talent and passion towards swimming, is the main subject of this story. Even though she had the passion towards swimming, she did not get the chance to pursue her dreams because of her abusive father. The short film depicts how she achieves her targets regardless of all the hardships that she has to face in day-to-day life.

Reyna is surrounded by a group of supportive friends. They help her with swimming practices and providing an excellent companionship. Unfortunately, Reyna has to live alone at home with her abusive father. Her father believes that swimming cannot do any good to her and the family. As a result, the father of Reyna beats her in a cruel way every time she speaks about swimming.

When this 15-year old girl comes to her father and says that she is getting ready to take part in a swimming competition, her father beats her and says not to go there as it cannot do any good to them. However, Reyna secretly attends the event and she becomes fortunate enough to win first place. At the moment, when she gets the Gold medal, her smile is bright smile. Unfortunately, that smile lasts only a few hours. When she goes home, the father of Reyna starts beating her in a cruel manner without even asking anything. After this incident, Reyna starts crying secretly and blood comes out of her nose. This clearly signifies the cruelty of the society and how women are abused.

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**Warning there are scenes of violence**

Reyna can be considered a victim of both sexism and racism. She is being abused both mentally and physically by the domestic environment. She doesn’t have anyone to reach out to and seek support. Reyna is just a one girl who gets abused mentally and physically by the society. Thousands of other girls face similar situations in their lives, and are afraid to speak out in fear of retaliation, further abuse, or lack of support.

The short movie, Las Leg, tries to raise social awareness about the violence on women, who are experiencing abuse. Even though women are abused brutally, they still possess their skills. In other words, they don’t lack ambition, intelligence, or education. They have the ability to be self-motivated and reach the goals in life, even if they don’t receive any support from others, especially family members. This story is an inspiring for any girl who is being abused by society. She can think of taking Reyna as a role model. They may be able to overcome all the difficulties that face in life, and handle challenges in a positive way.

Official Release Date: January 6th 2017

Synopsis – Set in London during the 1980’s, Reyna a teenaged, aspiring swimmer, lives with her abusive father. She struggles to pursue her passion in swimming. Reyna trains for an upcoming competition at her school, aiming to win first place. With a father who controls the world around her, the goal to win is tested.

**Warning there are scenes of violence**

Read directors interview here: thenewcurrent.co.uk/bfi-future-film-festival-last-leg

Twitter: twitter.com/lastlegfilm
Facebook: facebook.com/lastlegshortfilm
vimeo: vimeo.com/126552588

AWARDS
Latimer Talks Competition 2015
Best Short Film – London Independent Film Festival 2016
Broadcasted on London Live in association with the Future Film Festival 2016

OFFICIAL SELECTION & SCREENINGS
The Smalls Film Festival 2016 – NOMINATED – Best Drama Shorts
Crystal Palace International Film Festival London UK 2016
London Independent Film Festival 2016
BFI Future Film Festival – Chop, Chop Event 2016
BFI Future Film Festival – Human Condition Programme 2016
Berlin Film Festival – Best European Talent Screening 2016
Victoria Film Festival – ConVerge for Youth 2016
Ravensbourne Final Digital Film Production Showcase @Hackneywick Behind This Wall 2015
‘New Directors, New Films Festival FEST 2015’, student programme, as part of the Ravensbourne student showcase. 2015
Ravensbourne Degree Show 2015
SCREENED NIGHTS

CREDITS

Directed By
Ella Bennett

Screenplay By
Jake Bryson
Ella Bennett

Produced By
Siona Davis

Executive Producer
Michael Davis

Director Of Photography
Aaron Rogers

Production Designer
Laura Manners

Offline Editor
Mdhamiri A Nkemi

Music By
Tim Moses

Casting By
Ella Bennett
Siona Davis

Production Manager
Alice Groves

First Assistant Director
Sarah Pearn

Second Assistant Director
Callum Pearson

Production Assistants
Rob Groves
Tierney Memaster
George Welland

Associate Producers
Eyyaz Chishty
Stefan Ferrol
Quentin King
Esta Wilson
Ava Wilson
Junior Courtney

CAST

Reyna
Lasharne Anderson

Clinton
Ruel Rowe

Becky
Laura Robins

Jerome
Luke King

Swimmers
Liam Barry
Siona Davis
Zivile Dirmeikyte
Edgar Haruns
Michael Hogsden
Amelia John
Natasha Morgan
Dylan Murphy
Joe Thompson
Ryan Tran
Crowd
Mary Cha
Justified Prince
Harriet Mauahaw
Kyomi Richards
Sibel Kuley
Ingrida Manune
Lucy Granger
Jake Godden
Jill Cherry – Godden
Mark Godden
Khoi Vu
Jack Wild

CREW

Underwater Camera Operator
Chris Broomfield
Focus Puller
Yannick Hausler

Second Assistant Camera/Loaders
Arran Green
Jason Henwood

Concept Artists
Keira Gray
Ali Kamara
Michael Musialek
Storyboard Artist
Shadid Muhammad

Colourist
Joseph Bicknell

Digital Imaging Technician
Jonathan Stuart Roebuck

Stills Photographers
Bethany Jeffries
Jessica Kelly

Behind The Scenes Videographers
Marcus Albertsen
Akhil Kanukuntla
George Welland

Gaffer
Peter Bishop

Best Boy
Toby Leary

Sparks
Mahalia John
Liam Morgan

Sound Recordist
Tom Beddis
Boom Operator
Elliott Baker

Assistant Art Director
Idris Rhys

Set Decorators
Charlotte Birkett
Felix Ursell
Titus Barker

Catering
Esta Wilson

Sound Designers
Nick Blomley
Tom Beddis

Very Special Thanks To
Oliwia Siem
Charlie Ede
Dawn Gethen
Tony Evens
Freddie Gaffney
Hannah Ogunfeyimi
Garth Twa
Andrea Harkin
Ben Mallaby
Tyler Edwards
Marie McGough
Russel Jervis
Ahmet Ilbrahim
James o’Neil
Panalux
John Lawton
Rick Ramsden
Aaron Jon Walters
Neil Hawkins

Filmed On Location of Seven Islands Leisure Centre and Deptford

Filmed with Support Of Ravesnbourne College Of Design and Communication

Copyright © 2015 Ella Bennett All Rights Reserved

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