Dark Days + Nigel: Film Screening

In conjunction with the Leeds Homeless Partnership we present an evening of film and reflection.

Two films looking at the experience of homeless people: Dark Days—a full length portrait of the homeless population who live permanently in the underground tunnels of New York City. And Nigel—a short film about the reality of life on the streets of Leeds, shot by film makers Catherine Bardsley and John Arnison who will both be present at this screening.

There will be a short silence during which you are invited to offer any thoughts, or the names of homeless people you have known. This memorial service was started in 2000 by John Arnison and John Walsh, in response to a conversation between John Arnison and a homeless Big Issue vendor, whilst working as artist-in-residence at the Big Issue in the North.

The event is free.

Nigel

Filmed on Super 8 over several months, we follow forty-seven year old Nigel through the cold streets of Leeds. A homeless Big Issue vendor, he tells us of his life, his loves and his loss. Ever resilient, he shows us that it is not possessions that are important but the people that love and care for us. "People look down on you when you're a Big Issue vendor and they think you're shit and you're not, I'm really not…"

"It’s very eloquent and revealing of the man. The hints at his past are beautifully judged, and his sadness gets to you…" Ken Loach

Dark Days

Marc Singer's documentary follows the lives of homeless people who found shelter in disused underground tunnels in Midtown Manhattan. After relocating to New York, Singer met and befriended a number of the city's homeless population, who revealed to him how and where they live. Intrigued, the director decided to go and both share and chronicle their lives in an abandoned Amtrack tunnel near Pennsylvania Station.

“A tough, compassionate movie.” The Guardian

2001: 94 mins: Certificate: 15

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