News / homelessness
New film shines a light on homelessness in Bristol
Patch de Salis hopes to challenge preconceptions through a new film that shines a light on homelessness in Bristol and shares stories of those affected.
It was after two of his close friends were made homeless that the 22-year-old filmmaker felt compelled to better understand the circumstances surrounding the issue and provide a platform for people to have their voices heard.
This Ain’t Living was a labour of love that was two and a half years in the making. Released on Friday, the film follows the journeys of different people who have experienced homelessness – capturing the resourcefulness and resilience of individuals and hearing accounts of kindness and cruelty.
is needed now More than ever
Filmed prior to the pandemic, the film is a snapshot of homelessness and humanity in Bristol.
“I felt very privileged to make it – people were very open with me about their life and situation, it really taught me a lot about the beauty of people,” says the Cotham-based filmmaker who is self-taught.
“So many are really talented; they are entrepreneurs doing really positive things, but in society we might not see that and we might view them in a certain way and dehumanise them and just put them as homeless in a bracket.
“I hope other people can see it and take out the judgement and be more respectful of other people’s situations – it’s not our place to judge if we don’t know someone’s situation or what they’ve been through.”
Patch de Salis spent two and a half years making This Ain’t Living – photo courtesy of Patch de Salis
Main image taken from This Ain’t Living by Patch de Salis
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