Film to get London launch

A FILM made by a group of young Lithuanians living in Great Yarmouth and Norwich is to have its premiere at the Lithuanian Embassy in London next month.

Yarmouth-based SeaChange Arts Trust teamed up with the national organisation First Light Movies to produce the short film in which a brother and sister travel across the country to see their favourite football team play at Norwich City's Carrow Road ground. It is hoped the film will be shown at a number of festivals and venues after the launch on April 3.

Two professional movie makers worked with the seven youngsters who were involved in every step from script writing through to the final editing. It meant they not only learned about the process of film making but also how to resolve cultural differences, work closely with the other members of the cast and crew and get a real sense of achievement at the end. It has been described as “an emotionally charged experience” which has helped them understand a great deal about themselves and their lives. Now they are developing a longer movie which will link the two countries. It already has a working title of “East of England” and will tell the story of a talented Lithuanian violinist and his family struggling to make their way in the UK.

This is the latest project from the SeaChange Arts Trust, founded in Yarmouth ten years ago to deliver a year round programme of activities and events. Alongside major orchestral concerts by international orchestras they also specialise in creative working with young people, among them the socially excluded using the arts to re-engage them with the world of work and education. There's an increasing emphasis on international work linking with Latvia, Portugal and Finland. SeaChange has a cultural programme aimed at migrant workers which includes regular cabaret nights and a new International arts festival Out There. The trust's staff include Outreach Officer Rosita Juzenaite, herself Lithuanian, who recruited and supported the young film makers.