Set in a small community in a docks area of South Wales, the story looks at issues of unemployment, dismantled communities, and fragmented family relationships. It charts the desperation brought about by social and economic inequalities for Leigh-Anne Williams and her small group of friends, culminating in appalling circumstances and a devastating racial crime.
Leigh-Anne
has emerged from a poor upbringing into a disadvantaged adult life. Now
at eighteen she is bringing up her ten month old daughter by herself.
Trapped between the benefits system and the expectations of social services,
and under the watchful eye of her child’s paternal grandmother,
Leigh-Anne must battle with the legacy of a violent and disruptive childhood,
to provide her daughter with a safe and healthy life.
When her baby’s future is threatened, a muslim neighbour becomes the target of her pent-up anger. It results in his murder, seemingly driven by racial hatred. Despite deep-seated potential, Leigh-Anne and her gang seal their fates and their struggling human spirit can struggle no more.
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91 minutes
Starring
Stephanie James
Oliver Haden
Nathan Jones
Gary Sheppear
Dean Wong
Sara Gregory
Brenda Blethyn
Directed by
Amma Asante
Produced by Patrick Cassavetti (Intimacy, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas), Peter Edwards (Nuts & Bolts, Head of Drama HTV) and BAFTA award-winning Charlie Hanson (The Big Impression, Chef) with music by David Gray.
The UK Film Council, The Arts Council of Wales and ITV Wales in association with Portman Film present an AWOL Films Production.
BAFTA 2005 – Winner of the Carl Foreman
Award for best British newcomer – Amma Asante, writer and director.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2005 – Winner of the Grand Jury
prize. Winner of the FIPRESCI prize for best dramatic feature in
world cinema competition.
Official Selection, Toronto Film Festival -
Discovery
Official Selection, San Sebastian - Zabaltegi
Screening at London Film Festival