A new documentary directed by filmmaker and The Farm bassist Carl Hunter seeks to challenge the public perception of Walton. Titled Of People and Place, the film was created in response to national news coverage of riots in the area last year, aiming to highlight the community's creativity and resilience.
The project originated after Hat Trick Productions founder Jim Mulville, who grew up in Walton, was distressed by images of the Spellow Library fire. The film shifts the focus from the incident to the everyday lives and artistic talent within the community, offering a perspective from those who live there.
Key Takeaways
- A new documentary, Of People and Place, has been produced about the Walton community in Liverpool.
- The film is directed by Carl Hunter, bassist for the band The Farm.
- It was initiated to counter negative perceptions following riots in the area last year.
- The documentary features local poets, musicians, and grassroots community groups.
- It emphasizes the resilience and creativity of Walton residents rather than the riot itself.
A Project Born from Community Pride
The new documentary, Of People and Place, offers an alternative view of Walton, one that steps away from the dramatic headlines of last year's riots. The film's director, Carl Hunter, known for his work as a filmmaker and bassist in the Liverpool band The Farm, took on the project to present a more balanced portrayal of the area.
The idea for the documentary came from Jim Mulville, founder of the major television production company Hat Trick Productions. A Walton native, Mulville was deeply affected by the news coverage showing the destruction of Spellow Library, a place significant to his upbringing and the local community.
Challenging Media Stereotypes
Carl Hunter explained that Mulville's goal was to shift the narrative away from the singular event of the riot. Hunter, who himself is from the Walton end of Bootle, felt a personal connection to the project's mission.
"Jim was really upset by those images of Walton because he grew up there," Hunter said. "He wanted to shift that narrative and take a different look at the area. When the opportunity came up, I leapt at it."
Hunter believes the film serves a greater purpose in providing a counterpoint to what he describes as negative media portrayals of working-class communities. He stated, "I think the time is right to make films about working-class communities that act as an antidote to the anti-working-class propaganda we see in the media.”
Background: The Spellow Library
Spellow Library, which was damaged during the riots, has been a cornerstone of the Walton community for generations. For many residents, it represents more than just a place to borrow books; it is a hub for learning, community activities, and access to knowledge. The damage to the library was seen by many locals as an attack on the heart of the community, making its story a central point of reflection in the film.
Spotlighting Local Voices and Talent
Instead of analyzing the causes of the riot, Of People and Place turns its camera towards the individuals and groups that form the fabric of Walton. The documentary is a platform for the area's creative and supportive residents.
Hunter and his crew spent time with a diverse range of local people to capture the true spirit of the community. The film features contributions from poets, photographers, musicians, and dedicated grassroots organizations.
A Showcase of Creativity
The documentary highlights several key figures and groups within Walton. These include:
- PJ Smith: A poet known for his work in drug recovery programs.
- Our House: A community group that provides courses and activities for both older and younger residents.
- The Cheap Thrills: A popular band from the Walton Vale area.
- Dan Astles: A musician who has written a concept album about Walton.
By featuring these voices, the film demonstrates the artistic and social richness that exists in the area. Hunter also interviewed children from local schools to understand their perspective on their home.
Did You Know? The film intentionally avoids explaining the riot. Instead, it documents the community's immediate and positive reaction, where residents organized to clean the streets and support one another the very next day.
The Community's Resilient Response
A key theme of the documentary is the strength and resilience shown by the Walton community in the aftermath of the unrest. Hunter noted that while the actions of a few people caused significant damage, the response from the majority of residents was overwhelmingly positive.
"I don’t know why people decided to riot. But what I saw was the resilience of the community in clearing the damage and supporting each other," Hunter observed.
He emphasized that the number of people involved in the incident was a tiny fraction of Walton's total population. The more telling story, he argues, was how the community came together.
"The majority of Walton actually came out with brooms and bins, and very quickly started looking to their neighbours to check if they were okay," he added. "If anything, it showed a great sense of community.”
A Broader Message of Representation
For Carl Hunter, the film is part of a wider cultural need to present more authentic and positive stories about working-class Britain. He argues that repeated negative portrayals create an imbalance that does not reflect reality.
"We need more positive portrayals of working-class people dominating our screens, newspapers, magazines and books," he stated. "If we carry on down the path we’re on, all we see is working-class people portrayed in one particular light - and of course that’s not true."
Ultimately, Of People and Place is presented as a portrait of Walton as seen from within. It aims to be a testament to the area's creativity, intelligence, and supportive spirit, allowing the community to define itself on its own terms, far from the fleeting images of a single night of turmoil.