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Humans of Hastings: a quartet of films

Humans of Hastings: a quartet of films

Humans of Hastings

Humans of Hastings. Four film portraits directed and produced by Lewis Bennett. Inspired by both the off-the-wall characters who contribute to the artistic mosaic of Hastings – and Brandon Stanton’s 2010 photoblog Humans of New York, film-maker, Lewis Bennett presents the first of a series of film profiles that capture the originality, verve and creative range of this unique coastal community.

The first quartet features:

Ron Everett aka the ‘real Popeye’
Taking gurning to a new level as a tribute to EC Segar’s salty cartoon sea-dog, 88 years old this year (Popeye not Ron) – the Hastings Old Town favourite reflects on the nature of the town, the secret of Popeye’s continued popularity and the very essence of both Hastings and spinach.

Ron Everett aka Hastings' Popeye

Ron Everett aka Hastings’ Popeye

‘Waffle’
A truly freewheeling spirit. No roof is safe from the biker ‘Waffle’ as he bike-leaps, pirouettes, speeds – and crashes on occasion – around Hastings on two wheels. It’s a lifestyle he loves and isn’t prepared to compromise on.

Waffle in action

Waffle in action

Nadia Anast
Bar manager, Nadia narrates her deeply personal writing through which she exorcises a challenging past, in the context of contrast – her native south London and the atmospheric town which has provided personal solace and is now the inspiration for her work.

Nadia Anast

Nadia Anast

Ryan ‘Doc’ Savage
Blues ‘ranter’ extraordinaire and a favourite of Hastings’ 24/7 live music scene, the singer-raconteur reflects on how he arrived in Hastings via the Amsterdam porn scene. Plus, he performs at the Albion pub, Hastings’ live music hub.

Director and producer Lewis says: “I’m really excited to bring this documentary out, releasing these episodes as a showcase for a selection of the distinctive talent of Hastings, a singular community that provides an encouraging and exciting environment in which to nurture talent.”

'Doc' Savage

Ryan ‘Doc’ Savage

The next steps in the Humans of Hastings series will focus on:

  • Newcomers to Hastings and St Leonards, not just the DFLs (Down from Londoners), but emigrants and refugees who have been made welcome and now are making their own distinctive mark on the town
  • Designers – from fashion and film to installation art
  • The ‘young politicos/activists’
  • The Hastings work-face
  • The ‘other side’ of Hastings, work behind food banks and homeless shelters in a town which, despite its thriving arts scene, is among the poorest 10% in the country

Muscle

Muscle is Lewis Bennett’s other current project. Currently in post-production with an intended release date in 2018, Muscle focuses on the often misunderstood and overlooked world of powerlifting and bodybuilding, from World Championship powerlifting in Miami to Mr Universe bodybuilding shows in Sapri Italy. Physicality and mental strength in the extreme.

Love of film

Lewis’s love of film began when, as a student, he started making zombie films with his friends. His editing and camera assistant work credits include Top Gear, The Voice and One Born Every Minute.

For more details about Humans of Hastings visit the Facebook page for pictures, trailers and updates. Contact Lewis Bennett at lewis.bennett2@gmail.com for any enquiries or more information.

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Posted 09:27 Friday, Jun 23, 2017 In: Home Ground

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