Future Perfect: What’s worth fighting for?
In recognition of Leeds Year of Culture 2023, Sky Arts partnered with Arts Council England, LEEDS 2023, The Space, and Studio12 on an exciting new project, to discover and unlock the potential of four Leeds artists. Bringing a range of fresh perspectives, this was an opportunity for them to tell distinctive stories and create short films to reach national audiences.
Studio12 put out an open call for applicants, and we were thrilled by the quality and variety of submissions. From here, our panel chose four creatives to bring their stories to life. Each of the selected artists received support from industry professionals and a bespoke mentoring programme to improve their skills and help them realise their vision in exciting and innovative ways.
The final results were broadcast in Autumn of 2023 on Sky Arts at the culmination of Leeds Year of Culture.
The selected works were:
Gomolemo Nyakale – The Last Day
Two unlikely close friends have just finished their last day of sixth form and find out their future might be heading in different directions. The Last Day recontextualises the iconic and nostalgic era of the mid-90s through the lens of a first-generation immigrant from India trying to fit into a world he’s never felt he belonged in. A coming-of-age drama comedy, set in 1990s Leeds.
Ellis Arey – Working Classical Heroes
Classical music is an exclusive party for the privileged, but 23-year-old boxer Ellis grew up on a council estate. Now a student at Leeds Conservatoire, the art form transformed his life mentally, emotionally and intellectually. Ellis now throws punches for the right of the working classes to play classical music. Ellis performed an original composition ‘What’s Worth Fighting For’ by composer Ben Crick.
Isla Hurst – Push Through, Push Through!
A 5-minute screendance piece which follows a pair of 21-year-olds as they navigate the rich night life of Leeds, and with it the challenges of coming of age in unprecedented times.
East Leeds Project – Moon Palace: A Stargazer’s Journey
To stargaze is to time travel as far as 10 billion years into the past. A Stargazer’s Journey traces a voyage through East Leeds onboard ‘Moon Palace’, countering expectations about this part of the city while encouraging curious minds to broaden their perspectives and inspiring hopes for the future.
What people said about Future Perfect:
I’m excited to see the work that will be created by these brilliant emerging talents and really proud that Sky Arts will be able to showcase their work and introduce it to new audiences. It’s important that emerging creatives are offered support in developing new work and by working in partnership with organisations across the Leeds region, we will ensure that their voices are nurtured and heard.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts
We are delighted that through this partnership some of Leeds’ fantastic rising cultural stars are being given the opportunity to create work that celebrates our city and people who make it what it is
Kully Thiarai, Creative Director of LEEDS 2023
We’re thrilled to be supporting this pioneering group of artists as they make their broadcast debut. As an organisation we are dedicated to developing local talent and we look forward to giving it the national platform it so rightly deserves.
Studio12