Spotlight on the BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival is renowned for presenting an extensive array of significant and highly anticipated films each year. Amidst this cinematic extravaganza, it also provides a platform for emerging local talents. This year, the festival highlighted an exceptional first-time feature by Bradley Banton titled More Life.
The film stars Tuwaine Barrett, known for his role in Hard Truths, and centers around a group of lifelong friends gathering to celebrate a gallery opening in Copenhagen. Throughout its 78-minute runtime, the film gracefully unveils the shared past of the characters, offering a fresh and modern depiction of Black British life, uniquely framed through an Instagram live broadcast.
Joining the cast are Dipo Ola and Jordan Peters, with the project initially self-funded by Banton and later supported by Michael Fassbender’s DMC Film. The executive production team includes Daniel Emmerson and Conor McCaughan of DMC, with additional contributions from associate producers Hashim Alsaraf, Fabian Krohn, Tristin Norwell, and Teodora Shaleva.
In a detailed conversation, Banton and Barrett shared insights into the creation of their independently funded film and their collaboration with DMC Film.
The London Film Festival continues through October 19.
Conversations on New Cinema
DEADLINE: Congratulations on your new film. It resonates strongly with contemporary themes, especially concerning the cinematic qualities of social media. How do you feel about this integration in your work?
BRADLEY BANTON: It’s fascinating. Watching TikToks, I notice certain shots and angles that scream ‘cinematic’ to me.
DEADLINE: It seems like you’re touching on something similar to Druski’s popular content.
TUWAINE BARRETT: Absolutely, Druski is legendary. I’m a huge fan.
DEADLINE: Tuwaine, you’re quite recognized from your previous roles. Bradley, this being your debut, can you share more about your journey into filmmaking?
BANTON: I grew up in Peckham, aspiring to act since I was very young. My journey took me from Deptford Green School to the BRIT School, and later to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. It’s been a mix of acting stints post-education.
DEADLINE: Tuwaine, how did you come to be involved in this project?
BARRETT: Bradley and I have been close since the BRIT School. It’s important to support each other in this tough industry. When Bradley approached me with this project, I was immediately on board, especially just coming off Hard Truths. The experience felt surreal, working so closely with a friend.
DEADLINE: Bradley, could you explain how you developed the Instagram live concept for the film?
BANTON: Initially, we wanted to use a real Instagram live session, but opted to create a controlled environment to manage the comments and interactions better. We worked with David Akinola, who was instrumental in designing the graphics and timing the comments accurately.
DEADLINE: And the filming equipment?
BANTON: We shot on my phone. It felt more authentic and helped manage our budget effectively.
DEADLINE: Tuwaine, how was this filming process for you as an actor?
BARRETT: It was a unique challenge, different from any previous work. The dynamic with the cast made it a memorable experience.
DEADLINE: Was there a lot of improvisation involved?
BANTON: Yes, while we had a script, the tight shooting schedule led to spontaneous improvisation, often enhancing the dialogue beyond the original script.
DEADLINE: Why was the shooting schedule so constrained?
BANTON: Mainly due to budget constraints. We worked efficiently with a minimal crew, relying heavily on the dedication and flexibility of our friends and collaborators.
DEADLINE: How do you see the ideal viewing platform for this film?
BANTON: Streaming could be convenient for audiences, but the energy at the premiere was incredible. It would be fantastic to maintain that communal experience.
DEADLINE: Are there ongoing discussions with distributors?
BANTON: Conversations are in progress, though we remain cautiously optimistic, aiming to find partners who understand and respect our vision and background.
DEADLINE: Could you elaborate on how the film made it to the London Film Festival?
BANTON: It was through DMC Film and a fortuitous meeting years ago that led us here. Their support has been invaluable in bringing this film to a wider audience.
DEADLINE: Tuwaine, given your success, how do you view your future in the industry?
BARRETT: It’s an exciting time with many opportunities, though the industry can be exclusive. I hope for more openness to new talents who can bring fresh perspectives.
DEADLINE: What are your aspirations for the next five years?
BARRETT: I aim to transition into writing, while continuing my acting career, hoping to contribute original stories.
BANTON: I plan to continue creating, both as a writer and an actor, exploring diverse and unconventional roles, possibly even in international cinema.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
