Unjust Stop
Scripted | 2024
Arri Alexa Mini & Panavision Primo Lenses

Creative Power Town were commissioned by Avon and Somerset Police to produce a piece of work highlighting the disproportionate number of stop and searches on black individuals. David Ewulomi (Young CPT) had the original idea to show a bad stop and search discussed at a therapy session. It was shortly after this, that DP Sam Coombes got me involved to direct the film.

I was introduced to the super talented Le Kayla Lee who wrote the script, and a host of others who worked on this in the early stages. For several months Kayla, Sam and I would head down to CPT every week to work with the Young CPT to develop the idea. Script development, casting sessions, rehearsals and acting classes - we worked collaboratively with these young talented artists to produce this film. A lot of hard work, which led to two incredible days on set.

It was my first time directing narrative, coming from documentary. A step I have always wanted to take but was waiting for the right opportunity. Loved every minute . Great to go at it with Sam Coombes who put his blood sweat and tears into this with me to bring Kayla's script to life in the most impactful way. Shout out to sponsors Panavision and to all the crew on this one - you all came on board to shed light on this old age issue or conscious and subconscious bias within the police force and society as a whole.