The short films are the latest instalments to The Unquiet Film Series, a collection of films chronicling the untold stories of The Times and The Sunday Times.
The films are the result of two independent filmmakers being given unprecedented access to the newspapers’ staff and 229 years of archive material, and offer alternative filmic styles and visual approaches to storytelling not previously seen in the collection.
UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
In Uncomfortable Truths, viewers are deliberately made to feel uneasy as they are given an insight into the world of modern slavery. The film focuses on The Sunday Times’ investigative reporter George Arbuthnott’s concerted efforts to uncover the hidden truths behind modern slavery and the newspaper’s driven attempts to initiate a force of change. George Arbuthnott’s investigations helped Theresa May deliver the Modern Slavery Bill to Parliament in an effort to eradicate slavery.
From director Phil Lind: “When it came to making a film based around George Arbuthnott's reporting on modern slavery I wanted to try a fresh approach to the subject matter, one which we could all engage with by conceptualising the script to an extent. A counter to the tried and tested technique of talking silhouettes with actors voices. It was my intention to intrigue viewers at the start, make it relevant to them and hopefully keep them watching for the very serious message it delivers at the end.
The game show, question and answer, style theme provides an unexpected framework that I hope helps reach and engage with a broader audience, by teasing them into an incredibly uncomfortable subject matter that can be off putting to many people who normally come to it cold. The theme's aesthetic was very much informed by the design and cover work for George Arbuthnott's actual articles on which this film is based.”
ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT
In Adventurous Spirit, viewers are given an insight into the determination, desire and bravery of reporters in delivering news to the world. The film takes viewers on a journey though time, revealing how The Times’ man on the mountain told the world we’d conquered Everest and how boats and donkeys were used to get the first pictures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. The film takes us to the present day, revealing how journalists are dodging bullets and grenades in Syria to shed light on the darkest of places.
From director Phoebe Halstead: “Our film focuses on the adventurous and pioneering spirit of The Times newspaper. The Times has a history of capturing monumental events, through cunning, intrepid journalism.The behind the scenes events are put on the main stage, with the courageous reporters placed firmly in the limelight. The film is influenced by the traditions of Film Noir, for its bold, dramatic design, and unusual exciting camera angles. It's been fascinating researching these thrilling tales; I was surprised at how complicated it can be to deliver the news. The chiaroscuro design is lead by the concept of using light as a metaphor for knowledge, as journalists endeavour to shed light on stories.”
The films are the ninth and tenth of The Unquiet Film Series which can all be viewed online at ForeverUnquiet.co.uk with more additions set for release over the coming months. The collection of films is the first time The Times (est. 1785) and The Sunday Times (est. 1822) have committed their stories to film and explore values, beliefs and behaviours of the past and present editors, journalists and readers.
The project is the result of a collaboration between News UK, Team News creative agency Grey London, production company Betsy Works and Creative and Commercials Director, Phil Lind.
