Yorkshire-born director Sean McAllister will bring the world premiere of A Northern Soul to Sheffield City Hall for the opening night of the 25th Doc/Fest.
Winner of the 2015 Grand Jury Prize with A Syrian Love Story, McAllister is known for his frank style of candid film-making, following the lives of ordinary people who are struggling to survive, caught up in political and personal conflict. A Northern Soul sees the director return to his Yorkshire hometown of Hull as the creative director of the opening ceremony of the City of Culture celebrations. In the film McAllister is back living with his 90 year-old parents, reflecting on the changes the city has seen after being hit by cuts in public spending and the results of Brexit. A key character in the film is Steve Arnott, a struggling warehouse worker by day and hip-hop performer by night, who harbours his own creative dream.
Back home in Hull, where I began, I have been filming Steve and wondering whether he can, against the odds, unlock the opportunities to build a better life? Is social mobility possible in cities like Hull? What role does culture have to play in this? How long can he hold onto his dreams for?
Event details:
Opening Night Film: A Northern Soul + Q&A
Directed by Sean McAllister, produced by Sean McAllister and Elhum Shakerifar
Venue: City Hall, Oval Hall
Date: Thursday 7 June
Times: Doors open 18.00, film starts 18.45
Ticket Price (including booking fee): £11 / £8 concession
Sheffield Doc/Fest runs from 7 – 12 June. Tickets and more info can be found on their website.
