24 January 2017

A team of students from the Abingdon Film Unit (AFU) have been making a short film at Sobell House to raise awareness of their work whilst developing their skills as young filmmakers. The film crew of Charlie Landells, Freddie Marshall and Scott Thomson started work in October 2016 under the watchful eye of London-based artist, professional filmmaker and AFU tutor Duncan Pickstock. 

The process began with a visit to Sobell to meet staff and patients, and learn from them about the difference Sobell's work makes. After a period of discussion and planning, the crew returned to Sobell in November and December to film. They hope to be able to announce details of the finished film's premiere at Sobell in the near future and it will thereafter be available on the Sobell website and other platforms where it will be used to promote Sobell's work, and encourage others to support it.

Sixth former Charlie Landells said, “Working on the Sobell House shoot has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding shoots I've been involved in, and I sincerely hope it helps to raise money for what is a very worthwhile and necessary cause.” 

For Jeremy Taylor, the motivation behind the project was very simple. “Ever since its inception in 2003, a key aim of the AFU has been encouraging Abingdon pupils to engage with the world around them. Filmmaking is both a tremendous way of learning about the world and a privilege, so we encourage our filmmakers to use the medium to tell the stories of people we don't usually hear much about. For our young students, working with Sobell on this project has been a tremendous experience, offering a chance to hone their practical skills whilst meeting some inspiring people and discovering what an amazing place Sobell is.”

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