A WESTON College lecturer’s moving documentary on a Second World War hero and his singer grandson could soon be seen by up to 2.5million young people in the UK.
Photo-media lecturer, Richard Edkins’ award-winning film Black Swan Story, has been screened on Channel 4 and is being used by the Royal British Legion as a learning resource for young people.
It follows singer Joel Pott from the band Athlete, retracing his grandfather’s footsteps at one of the brutal battles of Operation Market Garden at Arnhem, in the Netherlands, on September 18, 1944.
Richard, aged 37, of Cairns Road, Bristol said: “I was making a music video with Joel and one of his songs was about his grandfather, Major John Pott who died four years ago.
“I filmed Joel at the forest where his grandfather fought and was shot in the hand and leg. Unable to move he was left for 20 hours before being rescued by the Dutch underground.”
The documentary used actors to play the part of soldiers, Major Pott and his wife, to whom he wrote a moving letter as he lay injured, believing he would die.
Operation Market Garden was one of the most famous failed World War Two engagements which saw 30,000 British and American paratroopers flown behind enemy lines to capture eight bridges in an attempt to end the fighting.
British Legion learning team spokeswoman, Helen Hill, said: “Athlete performed in London on November 11 at the Silence in the Square organised by the Royal British Legion.
“When I saw Richard’s documentary I knew we could incorporate it as a personal testimony. It’s been incredibly well received and around 2.5million young people have access to this moving memoir.”
Richard added: “Black Swan Story seemed to take on a life of its own and it’s wonderful to know it’s been seen by so many people.”
Black Swan Story was also shown in Bristol on March 26 at the Orpheus cinema as part of a showcase of award-winning short independent films and documentaries.
Richard has made around 50 documentaries and music videos. To look at his work go to www.richardedkins.co.uk
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