Caught in a Trap
A programme of National Film and Television School documentary and fiction films connected by the theme of rehabilitation and cycles of crime, curated from our collection by Sam Elder.
Sodiq - a still from the film, 5 of 5 (2013) by Adeyemi MichaelNational Film and Television School
This collection of shorts, a mixture of documentary and fiction, look at the cycles of crime and rehabilitation. An additional focus is placed on the difficulties traversing societies pitfalls, especially when surrounded by people and an environment that enable it.
Going Down (2000)
This programme opens with Tom Shankland’s based-on-real-life short Going Down (aka: Jackie’s Story). Shirking her maternal responsibility by dropping her kids at her sisters, Jackie hits the road with her reckless boyfriend before their road trip takes a dark turn.
Going Down - a still from the film, 1 of 4 (2000) by Tom ShanklandNational Film and Television School
Using a kitchen-sink realist approach, Shankland encapsulates the vulnerable position that women like Jackie find themselves within. Preyed on by men looking to get something from her – the road that Jackie barrels along heading towards its fatalist conclusion.
Sodiq (2013)
Returning to Peckham, Adeyemi Michael Ogunfadebo looks to piece together the reasons as to how his childhood friend, who dreamed of becoming a doctor, can become charged with murder.
Sodiq - a still from the film, 3 of 5 (2013) by Adeyemi MichaelNational Film and Television School
What appears to be an open and shut case becomes mired. The documentary delves further into the puzzle and Sodiq’s story creates a conflicting portrait. Where dubious court evidence clashes against first-hand accounts and even the courts due process.
Sodiq - a still from the film, 4 of 5 (2013) by Adeyemi MichaelNational Film and Television School
Whilst doubt casts itself over the legitimacy of the court’s decision, the manipulation of events is plain to see. Both compelling and gut wrenching, this documentary forges a body of evidence where more than one young man loses their life.
Out of Sight (2014)
Next up is Nick Rowland’s punchy black & white short Out of Sight. After his release from prison, recovering drug addict Martin is roped into one last job to clear his debts. Blurring the lines of real and imaginary, what follows is a dark confrontation of his renewed sobriety.
Martin Hancock Close Up of Hands in Out of Sight (2014) by David PimmNational Film and Television School
Moody and stylish, with dashes of the experimental, the feeling of being stuck at the bottom permeates Out of Sight. Stuck with Martin as his own cabin fever and paranoia takes hold. Presenting a world that you will never leave unless you give yourself a clean break.
No Easy Time (2010)
Taking aim at the UK’s penal system, No Easy Time is a documentary that follows the lives of 3 prisoners as they deal with their own addictions with the help of the TC, a therapeutic community in the prison for inmates and ran by inmates.
No Easy Time - a still from the film, 5 of 5 (2010) by William WoodwardNational Film and Television School
No Easy Time is a bleak look at the system of institutionalisation. Despite the work undertaken by the T.C, the documentary is damning portrait of a system that regurgitates the ‘reformed’ back into everyday society; with little care for how they fare on the outside.
Coalville Gold (2016)
When we first meet former convict Stevie, things appear to be going just great. He’s just won his big fight, the next one is on the way, and his girlfriend is coming with his family to celebrate. What could possibly go wrong?
Coalville Gold - a still from the film, 5 of 5 (2016) by Ross BolidaiNational Film and Television School
Soon everything has changed. He’s lost his long-term girlfriend and an injury he sustained while sparring has caused a delay in his next fight. Now in a moment of reflection, Stevie will make amends with the people around him before he has a chance to get back in the ring.
Coalville Gold - a still from the film, 2 of 5 (2016) by Ross BolidaiNational Film and Television School
Coalville Gold is as much about finding redemption,as the foundations that it can be built upon. Through reconciliation with those around him, finding his own outlet and the process of self-improvement, a now humbled Stevie is able to build a better version of his future out of prison.
Bruised To Be Used (2001)
This documentary takes you into the life of former convicted criminal, now turned pastor, Phillip Thomas. Once addicted to crack and on the streets, through religion Phillip finds himself a new lease of purpose in the world.
Bruised to be Used - a still from the film, 4 of 5 (2001) by George AmponsahNational Film and Television School
Bruised to Be Used assembles the pieces that lead to Phillip’s original foray into criminality; his absent father, the rivalries with his siblings, his lack of guidance. The hole his father has left in his life looms large, yet Phillip is determined to follow his own path.
