Evolving

"Evolving: Young Trans People Tell their Stories", a set of films I made with some amazing young filmmakers from MAP is showing at Cinema City on Monday evening, supporting the documentary "What Katy Did". It is guaranteed to make you cry/laugh/feel proud. It's a rare opportunity to see the films on the big screen - the young people are very precious about their production and it hasn't been released on DVD. Please support if you can. Some of the ticket money will go to the Evolve group.

Norwich Rising

We had an AMAZING time at Norwich Rising and got some wonderful press.

I made a trailer for the event on my iPhone that has had over 5,000 views! It was mentioned in the Guardian: “The idea of dancing to stop violence has understandably attracted naysayers, even among committed supporters, but two videos, among hundreds, sum up how Ensler’s idea inspires campaigners. The first is the one that launched the new anthem written and produced by Grammy-award-winning Tena Clark, Break the Chain, with a video choreographed by Debbie Allen, who went on to make her own accompanying “how to” dance video. The second is one produced by campaigners in Norwich. Without the involvement of the sort of Hollywood A-listers – Robert Redford, Jane Fonda – usually associated with Ensler, it’s still hugely effective. Local organisers were keen to show that the campaign is supported by men and boys as well as women.” Our trailer is embedded into the online article.

Hundreds of people came to the Forum and danced. We took this big team pic at the end when loads had already gone.

I had some sweet feedback from Anne from NIA Norfolk who led the dancing: "Brilliant job Shell - you should feel very proud of yourself- an amazing feat of collaboration and seemingly effortless organisation!" It was great doing such a wonderful event and it only lasting an hour - much easier than organising Norwich Pride! Here's a great pic of me and Amrita from Norwich Mind taken by Ann Nicholls from Look, See, Click!

Portrait of an Artist as a Gay Man

I've been in Brighton Filming the launch of Vince's B.Right.On Festival. There were two events today - a launch of the festival at City Hall at 3pm and a launch of Vince's exhibition BANNED in the library at 7pm. The library event was stunning. There was so many people and Vince's idea to paint 78 people with the names of countries where homosexuality is banned was genius. Over 100 people joined in so there was some doubles but very effective and very moving. Here's a pic Sam Collins took of me filming some of Vince's art.