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.
**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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