Street Cred Magazine - September 2018

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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 17

Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

SEPTEMBER 2018

IDRIS’ DIRECTORIAL DEBUT /streetcredmagazine

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Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

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Editors note

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e are so amped up for the Phoenix Newspaper 8th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation which will be held at the ICC Birmingham. Royal Army Armed Forces BCU and many organisations ae in full support of Britains positive commonwealth publication.

This gala is promising to be the most prestige event that Birmingham has ever seen with mega stage show, world leaders and top celebrities in attendance.

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/markdwaynemedia The thing i am excited about is our very own Street Cred Next Generation Award that will be presented to a winner who is making a massive difference in our communities.

Stars Danny Dyer, Tim Westwood, and Lady Leshurr have shown excitement about thei nominations this year. The votes have have had thousands of our readers showing true support to each in the categories.

I am really looking forward to this event and proud to be apart of it.

The companies and indivuduals need your final votes so keep

them coming by going to www.thephoenixnewspaper.com/vote Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram!

/markdwaynemedia /bigscreenphoenix /thephoenixnewspaper /streetcredmagazineonline

Also you definitely to check out the full review of Idris Elba’s directorial debut - Yardie in the new and improved Big Screen section!

l Photos by Neon-Photography.com | Tobias Stoffels

Secret Solstice Exclusive mind blowing images from the Secret Solstice in ICELAND, the likes of Stormzy George Clinton and many more played to a sold out field of people who travelled from all over the world to party See more photos on instagram

l Photos by Anna Kristín Arnardóttir (AKA photography)

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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 19

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LETS ZIMROCK WITH MAKOOMBA

Celebrate ‘Valentine’ All Year Round

F T

here is nothing quite like going to a see a really great live band in concert, this is what keeps the music business alive and Zimbabwes Makoomba group formed in 2001 are truly passionate with music in their soul, they bring the sweet upbeat sounds of Afro fused with tonga rythms and represent their hometown to the maximum.

They are a distimctly different 6 piece tightband made up of Muzaza ), Trustworth Samende , Abundance Mutori Donald Moyo Ndaba Coster Moyo and Miti Mugande giving you raw Guitar, bass Keyboards and Purcussion sounds.

Makoomba are friendly, humble and genuinely love to share their creativity with people to bring happiness in peoples lives.

Since 2008 when they hit the world by storm it has been

constant work ever since, they have brought traditional African music to the masses and gained massive respect with fans in North America and the whole of Europe I was privalaged to catch an interview with the lead singer Muzuza from the 6 peice and when i say lucky I mean I really was because it is hard to get this band away from recording in the studio.

I was very aware that Muzuza loves to sing constantly and is a machine for writing but speaking to him myself I can confirm that he is truly music driven and constantly creating music is a way of life for Makoomba.

Very often I ask artists what they do away from the music and if they say I only do music away from music i know that they are very serious.

'We have been a close band for a very long time,' Says Muzaza with

a smile in his voice 'we wright together, and inspire each other with the music, the creativity really comes together in the studio.'

Makoomba the name is inspired

by Victoria Falls River in Zimbabwe, they give their fans a deep soulful electrifying and spiritual live experience, we at Street Cred magazine are very excited about their UK Tour and we will be blessed to have them at the Symphony hall in October.

When I asked Muzaza what he loves about touring he replied 'It is always great to tour to see reaction of our fans, seeing our culture accepted by the masses. there is no greater feeling'.

A new Makoomba album is in the process and will be a fresh a spiritual experience Muzuza says “We are always bringing new vibes to our sound and our new album will really represent our

Gig Listings BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

September 01 Francis & The Fiend 04 Incubus 07 Catapult Club feat. Giant and the Georges 08 Shiiine on Birmingham 11 Rose Tattoo plus very special guests Girlschool 12 Yungblud - 21st Century Liability Tour 14 Catapult Club feat. Echo Beach 15 Molotov Jukebox 15 The AC/DC Experience & Maiden England 16 Nines 16 Jayce Lewis 19 Dirty Sanchez 21 Catapult Club feat. Broken Lungs 21 The Midnight Beast

NEC

September 20-23 EGX 2018 21-23 A Place in the Sun Live 21-23 The Monster 22-23 Miniatura 27-30 The Cycle Show 28-30 The National Wedding Show 30 Toy Collectors Fair

22 Tory Lanez 24 Halestorm 26 The LaFontaines: The UP Tour 27 Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana 28 SCARLXRD 28 Catapult Club feat. Nine Days Lane

O2 INSTITUTE

September 01 James Murr Murray 05 Passenger 07 Fireball’s Hottest Bands Final 08 Flares 08 Season of the Shellaz 13 CAM 15 Jaret Reddick 16 Wooden Shjips 19 EUROPE – Tour The Earth 2018 19 Catherine McGrath

culture, our home Zimbabwe “We are looking forward to Birmingham UK, the respect people have for our music is great there and of course people from many countries.

“It is good to see the appreciation of the Makoomba accoustic sound.What makes the music real is that we have known each other from the begining,we still have the original members from 2001 so we have the respect and understanding” The name Mokoomba represents the Zambezi River which means a lot to the Tongo people.

So get ready to experience beautiful culture from Zimabwe, we will get love and have an unforgettable afro culture experience for sure.

Lets Zimrock!

Words: Mark Dwayne Media

GENTING ARENA

September 08 Shiiine On 1-Day Festival 21 Kylie

l Kylie plays Genting Arena on the 21st 20 Home Free 21 Against The Current 22 The Magic Gang 23 Leprous 24 VK Electric ft Tom Zanetti & K.O Kane 25 Pale Waves 27 Rex Orange County 27 Spring King 30 The Night Café

ARENA BIRMINGHAM

Septemebr 04 Barry Manilow 08 Eddie Hearn 09 Guru Randhawa 13-14 The League Of Gentlemen 15-16 Arctic Monkeys 18 50 Cent 22-23 Trampoline, Tumbling & DMT British Championships 24 Shania Twain

or over 30 years now he’s been wowing people throughout the nation with a wide array of musical genres that has kept people dancing; in the aisles, halls and clubs – with many often baying for more.

Award-winning DJ Dave Valentine’s eclectic mix is such that he has been celebrated in arenas as diverse as; jazz/fusion, house, pop, rock, soul and reggae – from the 1940s right up to today (In fact, his ever-bulging music. And, to date, demand for him has been at an all-time high.

Over the years he’s created his own niche market as calls for his service has shot through the roof. And you can see why.

For him, whether he’s playing in an arena, or corporate event, he’s a stickler for detail and providing a full service. In fact, for Dave, playing out isn’t just about the music.

“I’ve been in the game for a long time now and, with all my equipment PAT electrical tested, plus having PLI (Public Liability Insurance) - which covers me to DJ at all function – I’m comfortable enough in the notion that, no matter what the scenario – an Irish, Scottish, Asian, English, and Caribbean;

26 Jason Derulo 27 Chris Tucker 28 Early Doors Live 29 Babbu Maan

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

September 01 Texas (SH) 01 Seby Ntege (TH) 02 Clare Bowen (SH) 06 Adam Henson (TH) 07 Brassed Off Live (SH) 08 166th British Open (SH) 08 Grandmaster Flash (TH) 09 UKBFF MIDLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS (TH) 09 Brass Band Gala 2018 (SH) 12-13 Dvořák’s New World Symphony (SH) 13 Brian Blessed 2018 (TH) 14 Camel (TH) 16 PCA Xplosive Ape Grand Prix (TH) 17 Danny Baker (TH) 18 Sir Chris Hoy (TH) 19 Biffy Clyro (SH)

in fact, whichever nationality, I’ve got something in my vast collection to suit the clientele.

They are always happy with what I bring.

One of my recent clients was the ‘Weasley Twins,’ from the Harry Potter movies. So, that was a major coup for me.”

Fully established as the ‘go-to’ guy for any occasion, demands for him for playing at weddings have been overwhelming – from John o’ Groats to Lands’ End; with him proving the full service of music, light-rigging and decorations to any proceedings.

In fact, so much so that he has been a fixture at the prestigious National Wedding Show at the National Exhibition Centre – which is no mean feat; “The reason that I am in such demand is that I make things easy for people. I leave no stone unturned and everything I do is professional.”

Just one appearance at the NEC has garnered the very amiable, versatile Dave Valentine a diary full of bookings - for the next 2 years.

And you can get your own piece of him by logging on to ‘The best of Walsall’ website, which will give you his full rundown and much more.

20 Dionne Warwick (SH) 21 Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert! (SH) 22 Choirmania 2018 (TH) 22 Autumn Classics (SH) 23 Jurassic Park in Concert!

(SH) 23 Simon Reeve (TH) 24 Rip It Up (SH) 25 Black History Month 2018 Launch (TH) 26 RAF in Concert Centenary Tour (SH) 29 Jason Byrne (TH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

September 07 Whitesnake UK 08 Tour Of The Valkyries 20 Spear Of Destiny 21 Desi Central Comedy Night 22 KickThePJ 26 The Bluetones 27 The Treatment 28 Vicious Nature 29 Giants Of Rock U.S.A 2018

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Bass 2018 B Launches Reggae 50

irmingham’s leading arts development agency, Punch, have announced the theme for this year’s BASS2018.

REGGAE 50 will celebrate the Golden anniversary of the genre, with a focus on the impact it has had on music, popular culture and the world at large. It takes place throughout October.

The spotlight includes contributions from some of Reggae’s biggest names, from Jamaica and the UK. Punch CEO Ammo Talwar MBE said “As the festival approaches it’s twelfth presentation we are proud to herald the incredible achievements that Reggae has accomplished.

“As a music form it fights above it’s weight, and as a cultural entity

you cannot imagine a world without it.

“BASS2018 allows us to give due acclaim to those in the Reggae world who have made it the potent force that it is.”

At a launch on the 7th August, specially invited guests gathered at the O2 Institue in Digbeth, Birmingham to hear from Punch CEO Ammo about the direction of this years BASS 2018.

With a special performance from new wave Dub Reggae sensation Samory-I, and delicious food and drink.

Confirmed participation from Reggae luminaries including Freddie McGregor, Toots & The Maytals, an exclusive masterclass from Grammy winning producer Winta James, Lovers Rock queen Carroll Thompson and the UK’s

Christopher Ellis.

BASS2018 also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the release of the iconic Steel Pulse album “Handsworth Revolution” as well a special four-­week film series which includes some of reggae’s

DJ MEXY’S LITTLE BLACK DRESS BIRTHDAY

D

J Mexy's Birthday party was a slammer at Bambu! Here are photos courtesy of Good Nights Out. Year in Year out it has always been about getting out your Little Black Dress and turning up in your bang bang shoes, yes its a true ladies night.

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classic movies.

There will also be a unique art exhibition which gives a platform for 100 reggae inspired posters, designed by artist and illustrators from around the globe.

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Roaring

However, and this is a very, very big however – once the story and characters were established, the performance took on a life of its own, with the audience suddenly being seduced by the show and, before long, the crowd were roaring and cheering and applauding until their throats were hoarse and their palms were sore.

It was a beautiful thing to witness a packed auditorium “click” at the exact same time. Audience participation is a vital thing when it comes to theatre and, as silly as this may sound, I truly believe that the

Matil da

typical reserved nature of Britons was a major factor in the opening fifteen minutes.

We are a famously withdrawn nation of people with our trademark stiff upper lip and phobia of embarrassing ourselves, so nobody wants to be the first person to burst out laughing in a busy theatre; but once one person does it, the ice is broken and engaging in a performance suddenly doesn’t seem daunting anymore – and that was precisely my experience in the opening of Matilda: The Musical.

From the moment the first big laugh echoed through the theatre, the entire audience were caught up in the whirlwind of emotion the show throws at you; and that is part of the brilliance of Matilda: The Musical.

In one moment, you’ll be in fits of laughter and the next; you have to pause for a moment because there’s a lump in your throat and have to try your best not to cry in front of everyone.

Unless that kind of thing doesn’t embarrass you, in which case you

can just let it all out! It is far more cathartic that way.

A

Talent

The cast, comprised predominantly of young children, are truly stunning and transcend their youthfulness by delivering strong, controlled performances, keeping you entranced and never missing a beat.

Their professionalism is deeply impressive and the fact that such a huge production rests entirely on their tiny shoulders speaks volumes of the talent these kids have.

Of course, this is very much Matilda’s show and I just have to give a special mention to young Nicola Turner, who was our Matilda for the night, for giving a truly breath-taking performance.

She imbued Matilda with the necessary strength and defiance that has become synonymous with the character, while also lending a heart wrenching vulnerability to her because, let’s not forget that if you strip away all of the fun and bright

ruler of the woods

wesome, Justin Timberlake absolutely smashed it on his Man of the woods concert in Birmingham.

It is something that we are all talking about constantly as it was so unfogettable.

You can also ask Free Radio how great it was as their presenters cant stop praising it!

Justin has returned to the states, touring for the rest of the year and into 2019!

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W

ith our very own, world-class theatre right on our doorstep, Birmingham welcomes the wonderful and quirky musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

As a child, I was a huge fan of both Roald Dahl’s original story as well as Danny DeVito’s 1996 film adaptation and I honestly didn’t know what to expect from Matilda: The Musical.

“Surely there isn’t a better, funnier and more exciting way of telling this story”, I thought. Boy, how wrong I was. Matilda: The Musical is remarkable in every sense of the word – from the set design to the performances and the choreography to the music – it is wall-to-wall brilliance.

During the opening ten to fifteen minutes, I was a little weary. I was enjoying myself, but the audience didn’t seem overly engaged in what they were seeing, with some of the early comedy enticing only a handful of unenthused chuckles, and there were a few moments where I felt that the show itself was wading a little too close to pantomime territory, complete with crazy costumes and deliberately over the top performances.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 21

colours, Matilda is the story of a neglected child trying to find her place in the world and Turner never loses sight of that.

Carly Thoms is also wonderful as Matilda’s teacher Miss Honey; a character who endured an upbringing much like that of Matilda’s and the dynamic between these tormented souls is fantastic.

Then there’s the character we all love to hate, the evil Miss Trunchbull, brilliantly portrayed

by Craige Els, who reprises the role after playing the character in the West End production for three years between 2014 and 2017.

Any time he steps on stage, infused with prosthetic make-up and a bodysuit that makes him look like a hulking hunchback, you can’t help but be mesmerised

by Els and his uncanny ability to portray an overwhelmingly irredeemable character in such a way that, while you still hate Trunchbull and the horrid things she does, you can’t help but love every second she’s on stage.

Matilda: The Musical is very much an adaptation of the original novel by Roald Dahl as opposed to a reworking of the film adaptation, meaning none of the actors feel obliged to imitate their cinematic counterparts and have the freedom to bring something completely new and unique to their respective roles.

Of course, as a musical, there’s a plethora of musical numbers throughout the production – some are small and intimate and some are big, fun and erratic with intricate choreography and, while I’m certain you’ll leave the theatre with a particular favourite, it has to be said that all of the music in Matilda: The Musical is exquisitely written by Australian comedian and musician, Tim Minchin.

If you are familiar with Minchin’s work, you can tell from a mile away that his own, very distinct stamp is all over this musical.

Wicked

He has a stunning ability to write music that is both wickedly smart

and funny, while infusing it with so much genuine emotion that in between the belly-laughs, your vision will grow hazy from the tears invading your eyeballs.

It’s trademark Tim Minchin. One song in-particular remains seared into my mind and it comes in the shape of a solo performance by Matilda.

The song is called “Quiet” and comes when Matilda first realises there is something very different and very powerful about her and that she can’t control what’s going on in her head.

It’s a painfully beautiful ballad that will speak to everyone who has ever struggled with feeling different or alone, or the belief that they don’t belong.

It is a deep and powerful song that perfectly marks a pivotal moment in the show. I truly hope Minchin works on more musicals in the future, because his unique talents and skillset are perfectly geared towards the stage.

Matilda: The Musical is a dazzling experience that genuinely has something for everyone and feels like a very significant and very immersive communal experience.

If you give yourself entirely to the performance and allow yourself to be swept up in the magic, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Matilda: The Musical is at the Birmingham Hippodrome from August 15th to September 8th – do not miss it!

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

SERVE LAUNCH

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Serve Brings Its A-Game T

he last thing we expected was an invite to play Ping Pong as I am so terrible at Sports but this actually grabbed my interest as it was a first time ever Ping Pong/bar.

With class DJS in the background playing the latest tunes while you play ping pong with your mates, this is a very different but exciting type of social experience which I must say I thouroughly enjoyed.

The Serve VIP launch had free alcohol on offer so really there was no way that I would be able to play after having a few but I was quite happy enjoying watching everyone else play.

The venue is a decent size, and actually has a true nightclub feel and its definately something that wil not only attact students but businesspeople who want a quirky night out.

I want to thank Serve for welcoming me at the door with their two glamorous hot ladies dressed in carnival like wear and I was squashed in nicely inbetween the two for an Instagram photo.

This really got the night kicking off well. Sexy VIP ladies serving horderves, alcohol and smash with bad ass DJs playing the tunes.

I had so much fun I did a facebook live and everyone wanted to know where I was but sorry this was a VIP only invite!

We recommend this place on a night out if you want something a bit different from the norm. The Ping Pong starts off early doors then transforms into a nightlife bar only in the late hours.

The staff are friendly and the vibe is very American, and of course it would be as Serve is an american brand. We spoke to the Managing Partner, David Smith who was really excited to bring this first time ever concept to our city.

Have to big him up for such a memorable evening.

Already I am planning a Street Cred Ping Pong night out but I wont be playing as I will embarass myself if I’ve had alcohol!

Definitely recommend this place and I feel I will be attending Serve very reguarly.

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Christmas Will Soon Be Upon Us… T

he dynamic Festive Gift Fair, now in its 23rd fabulous year, continues to be the best place to start your Christmas experience and is one of the most popular Christmas Shopping events in the UK at Birmingham’s NEC 15-18 November.

As well as finding great gifts for your loved ones, treats for yourself and all your sparkling Christmas essentials, you’re sure to have a fun-packed day!

The Fair will be bursting at the seams with a colourful eclectic mix of unusual stocking fillers and presents, traditional gifts, festive food and great home decorations.

With 325+ stalls all under one roof, the variety is huge, with clever gift ideas for all ages and tastes… and lots of Special Show Offers! There’s even a Present Creche to drop off your full bags.

The festive atmosphere is always fantastic and there’s even more this year with new icicle lighting throughout the hall and a new Victorian bandstand where

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 23

ENTERTAINMENT

live Bands will take centre stage.

While browsing the stalls, let the music get you into that Christmassy mood and be entertained by Santa himself, Stilt walkers and Pantomime characters.

Make sure you visit the popular Festive Food & Drink area where you’ll find 40 tempting stands selling everything from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to champagne, beer to brownies and hampers to hog roasts!

Of course, it’s also time to set the mood and get creative…. decorate

your table, your stairwell, your mantelpiece and garden with greenery, twinkling lights, door wreaths, baubles, candles and so much more.

So, take the strain out of Christmas, enjoy a day out at the Festive Gift Fair and get your festive preparations off to a cracking start!

There’s no better reason to indulge than Christmas, and at The Festive Gift Fair you’ll discover a vast array of tasty treats and boozy delights that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

COMPETITION For your chance to win one of 10 pairs of tickets to The Festive Gift Fair at the NEC Birmingham, just answer this simple question!

Which decoration would usually be found on a Christmas Tree? a) Bauble b) Snowman c) Wreath Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper. com with the subject “Festive Gift Fair 2018 Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 2nd November 2018. There is no cash alternative.

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

SIMMER DOWN 2018

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Simmer in Hand

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mass line-up of stars – some old, some new and some in-between – lit up yet another hugely successful Simmer Down Festival, as the likes of Misty In Roots, Dennis Lloyd, Pulse Beat, Nash + Abel, Lekan Babalola’s Sacred Funk Project featuring R T Kal and the Handsworth Community Choir made this arguably the best there ever was.

And, for the organizers to get the legendary reggae band that is Inner Circle to headline what was a truly inter-cultural programme features internationally acclaimed artists alongside the very best in homegrown talent – a day to remember for the thousands who turned up, it proved to be the coup of all coups for all concerned.

Covering some 50-years of magical hits, known the world over, present band members

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r Down Sizzles dsworth Park including; Ian Lewis, Roger Lewis, Bernard ‘Touter’ Harvey, Lancelot Hall and Trevor ‘Skatta’ Bonnick made for a memorable day with so many there already making plans for next year.

Massive respect must be given to the Parks and Events team from Birmingham City Council, and especially Garry Peal, “The Adopted Jamaican” – a name given to him by The Phoenix Newspaper following the hard

work and effort he put in around bringing the Jamaican Track and Field team to Birmingham, and also his work surrounding Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

Garry was a visible and visibly loved figure at Simmer Down, as well as at Big Johns Mela on the same day, and is actively involved with events from all communities and all backgrounds on a regular basis.

Simmer Down was no exception and the work of the Council support team was evident in the safe and smooth running of the day.

Simmer Down; sponsored by locally-based Crucial Sauce, is the festival which celebrates Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity by paying tribute to the centrality of reggae and other musical genres that have contributed to the city as one of

international culture and real diversity.

And it, again, proved it ‘all hands down,’ with some of the leading dignitaries present highlighting the impotence of its relevance – on Britain’s second city events calendar and its contribution to making Birmingham such a vibrant and ‘must-visit’ venue.

Simmer Down; sponsored by locally-based Crucial Sauce, is the festival which celebrates

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 25

SIMMER DOWN 2018

Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity by paying tribute to the centrality of reggae and other musical genres that have contributed to the city as one of international culture and real diversity.

And it, again, proved it ‘all hands down,’ with some of the leading dignitaries present highlighting the impotence of its relevance on Britain’s second city events calendar and its contribution to making Birmingham such a vibrant and ‘must-visit’ venue.

So, to have internationallyrenowned Jamaican super-band; Inner Circle, to top the billing was the icing on the cake as the ‘Bad Boys’ of reggae brought a plethora of major hits from a catalogue that spans 40 decades – so everyone there had their own song to sing.

“Summer Down is all about diversity,” said the event’s Artist, Creative Producer and Artistic Director Mukhtar Dar. “And with its massive international appeal, and our wonderful city gearing up for the 2022 Commonwealth

Games, we are looking to make Summer Down a 3-day festival for then, so that we are able to pack in much, much more. And all of the Commonwealth can be a part of.”

In the presence of a proud West Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street, an equally-proud Birmingham Lord Mayor, Yvonne Mosquito, thanked all and kept ‘community cohesion’ in focus saying: “I am the first generation Brit from Windrush Generation parents and here I am standing in front of the multicultural Birmingham that I am proud to represent. It just sums up our city.”

Supporting the fight against prostate cancer, the programme, delivered across three stages, also included dance, spoken word, educational workshops and participation activities for everyone present to get involved as the Simmer Down Festival has grown to become one of the fastest growing and most diverse free festival in Birmingham - bar none!

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CHARGE An Electrifying New Dance-Circus from Motionhouse

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nspired by the role of electricity in the human body, Motionhouse’s exhilarating new multimedia show ‘Charge’ is about energy.

From the electrical charge that sparks human life, to the beating of our hearts and the memories we make, six performers use dance and acrobatics to delve deep into the human body, tracing the incredible story of energy in our lives.

Digital projections create a world on stage where dancers and images interact seamlessly, bringing to life stories of energy in our own bodies and humans as

energy manipulators.

In an exciting fusion of art and science, Motionhouse has worked with partners from the University of Oxford on the role of electricity in the human body to inspire the show.

Currently touring in the UK and Europe during the company’s 30th anniversary year, ‘Charge’ is the third element of Kevin Finnan’s ‘Earth Trilogy’, developing on themes explored in Scattered (2009) and Broken (2013) about our relationship with water and the Earth.

Charge will be at the Midland Art Centre from Friday October 19 - Saturday 20.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018 - Page 27

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BIG SCREEN

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With antony brown BIG SCREEN EDITOR

EDITORS NOTE

W

elcome to the allnew expanded edition of Big Screen!

After writing for The Phoenix Newspaper for a number of years, I am delighted to

announce that I have recently been appointed as the Editor for the entire Big Screen section and have been given free-rein to expand it; making Big Screen larger and more informative than ever before.

I would like to invite you to join me on this exciting new journey that promises to bring you the latest movie news and reviews, as well as regular updates on local events and exclusive features on future blockbusters and small, independent productions.

I will also be including upcoming cinema release dates and Blu-Ray/DVD releases in

YARDIE Y ARDIE centres on the life of D — a young Jamaican man who has never fully recovered from witnessing the murder of his older brother when he was a child.

Growing up under the wing of a Kingston gangster named King Fox, D is dispatched to London in order to help expand King Fox’s empire, but when he arrives in England, he quickly realises that things aren’t as they seem and when his past comes back to haunt him in unexpected ways, D is thrust in to a violent quest that brings him into conflict with a vicious London gangster named Rico.

Based on the novel of the same name by Victor Headley, this gritty adaptation is the directorial debut from Hollywood A-lister and bona fide megastar, Idris Elba.

I was lucky enough to see an advanced preview of YARDIE on Thursday 23rd August, over a week before its official release courtesy of MASSIVE; a brand new initiative that plans to host advanced screenings of the most anticipated British films, complete with exclusive interviews and a live Q&A, in collaboration with BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra.

YARDIE has been somewhat a labour of love for Idris Elba and has taken many years to get off the ground. “My journey with the film has taken maybe four years.”

He says. “This is a very culturally specific film and the climate has had to change and the structure of filmmaking and budgeting has had to change, all while the narrative has matured.”

So, it is safe to say that it has been a long road for Elba and company to bring YARDIE to the big screen and in the hands of a lesser talent; it could have been a

much different movie.

It could have been a generic and needlessly violent British gangster movie littered with twodimensional characters, but by establishing a strong emotional core early on and spending time developing his main players; Elba finds a way of grounding and humanising the story.

“I really wanted to make Goodfellas. I really wanted to make The Godfather, but at the same time, I think we’ve all seen that film and we’ve all seen that representation of a black man onscreen” Elba explains.

“I made a film that touches on the violence but doesn’t embellish it or celebrate it in a way that makes it grotesque to watch and actually leaves the audience thinking about

the decisions that D has to make.”

So, while there are still flashes of violence throughout, as one would expect from this kind of movie, Elba never loses focus of the humans at the heart of the story and, in his hands, the violence isn’t just an unavoidable symptom of the genre but an effective tool he uses sporadically throughout for maximum emotional impact and this was a really important

approach for Elba; “We’re now sitting in a climate in England where we’re seeing a massive rise in knife-crime, so weirdly enough, the movie resonates in a few ways” Elba says.

“Hopefully, the younger audience will watch this movie and realise that they do have more than one choice.”

Elba, along with his cinematographer John Conroy and his art directors Alison Adams and Donna Noble, exquisitely recreate a very specific and very distinct time period and have managed to drop us right in the middle of 1970s Kingston and 1980s London to wonderful effect.

Kingston is awash with colour and drenched in sunlight, radiating heat right from the screen, whereas London is dreary and sodden, with the music and the lights from nightclubs breathing life in to the seemingly lifeless surroundings.

The use of colour in this film is also wonderful, and at some points, Elba even uses subtle colour as a signifier, a precursor or a representation of a deeper element not overtly present in the images on screen and that is just one of the many intricacies in his direction that show how comfortable and natural he is behind the camera.

The performances on display in YARDIE are electric and as an actor himself, Elba understands the way actors work and how to entice the best possible performance from them.

Aml Ameen is captivating as D, delivering a multi-faceted performance that sizzles with a quiet rage.

Shantol Jackson, in her first feature film, is hypnotic as Yvonne — D’s childhood sweetheart.

She is a fiercely strong and independent character and I think it is important for women everywhere to see a character like

order to keep you informed of everything the big and small screen has to offer every month – and who knows?

Perhaps there will even be a competition or two every now and then that will give you the opportunity to win some amazing prizes.

Another brand new monthly feature is present in this edition,

her on screen.

Unlike most, if not all of the male characters, Yvonne has morals and boundaries she will not betray and emerges as one of the only genuinely good people in the movie.

Then, there’s the always brilliant Stephen Graham as Rico, the patois-speaking cockney club owner who causes a lot of trouble for D. Graham jumps head first in to the role and while he isn’t in it quite as much as the promotional material would have you believe, you still feel his presence and he manages to be both sinister and hysterically funny in equal measure.

Now, the main issue with YARDIE is the same issue that plagues other films of the same ilk, such as Scorsese’s GOODFELLAS or De Palma’s SCARFACE — it is a story about bad people doing bad things, and while the audience may be invested in the story, it is difficult for them to connect with and root for the characters on a personal level.

Take Tony Montana in SCARFACE, for example; the audience become invested in his violent and chaotic rise from Cuban immigrant to millionaire drug-lord, but are any of us going to sit here and pretend that we he was a nice guy and that he didn’t get what he deserved in the end?

Continued on Page 28

called Hidden Gems; which will see me provide one movie recommendation every month.

Most of these will be smaller, independent movies I absolutely adore that have never really received the exposure I think they deserve due to their low budgets or lack of effective marketing, so keep your eye out for those because you may find something

you love that you never knew existed before.

Thank you for your continued support and welcome to The Big Screen.

Don’t forget to follow Big Screen on Instagram and Facebook at ‘bigscreenphoenix’!

COMPETITION

The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever before! Relive the magic on the silver screen with the original great adventure… Raiders of the Lost Ark, with John Williams’ epic score performed live to picture by a full symphony orchestra!

For your chance to win a pairs of tickets to see Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert! at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the 21st September, just answer this simple question!

Which actor portrayed Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark? a) Tom Hanks b) Harrison Ford c) Sean Connery Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Indiana Jones Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 19th November 2018. There is no cash alternative.

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

ENTERTAINMENT BIG SCREEN

Yardie Continued from Page 27

Even D, a man portrayed as being somewhat of a lost soul who clearly has some good in his heart, is hardly what you’d call a “good man” and you can’t ignore the fact that he has chosen this life for himself and seems to escalate things whenever he has the chance.

Luckily, YARDIE has Aml Ameen at its core; a truly remarkable young actor who manages to keep everything grounded.

So, while D himself may not be the most likeable individual, Ameen brings a vulnerability to the role that prevents him from being completely irredeemable.

D is a man driven by hate, but it’s a hate that was birthed from the overwhelming love he had for his brother and the tragedy of losing him, and it is this aspect of the character that Ameen latches on to.

D isn’t doing what he’s doing because he enjoys it, but because he has been lost, angry and confused since the day his brother was killed and is yet to find closure on that part of his life.

YARDIE is a confident and assured directorial debut from Idris Elba and will leave you hoping he spends more time behind the camera in the future.

While flawed, it is the work of a man who was clearly born to be an artist and it is easy to envision Elba directing something truly remarkable in the future.

As it stands, YARDIE is a strong and intermittently powerful British film and while it doesn’t quite pack the punch you may be hoping for, it is still effective enough to linger with you for a while after.

However, as Elba himself said, YARDIE is a very culturally specific film and it is easy to imagine it being far more impactful to people who are a part of said culture.

Release Date: Friday August 31st

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They Shall Not Grow Old A New Documentary from Peter Jackson Brings the Great War to the Big Screen

O

n the centenary of the First World War, Oscarwinning director Peter Jackson, best known for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, employs state-of-theart technology to transform archive footage more than a hundred years old in order to resurrect the people who can best tell the story: the men who were actually there.

Driven by a personal fascination in the conflict, Jackson spent months immersed in the BBC and Imperial War Museum archives, getting to know these soldiers, forming

narratives for them and using only the voices of those involved, They Shall Not Grow Old explores the harsh realities of life on the front line.

Experience

“I wanted to reach through the fog of time and pull these men into the modern world, so they can regain their humanity once more – rather than be seen only as Charlie Chaplin-type figures in vintage archive footage.”

Jackson explains.

“By using our computing power to erase the technical limitations of 100-year-old cinema, we can see and hear the Great War as they experienced

September

Cinema Releases American Animals (07/09/18)

The unbelievable true story of four young men who brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in history. Determined to live lives that are out of the ordinary, they formulate a daring plan for the perfect robbery, only to discover that the plan has taken on a life of its own.

it.”

Each frame of the film has been meticulously hand-colourised by Jackson’s team and converted in to digital-3D; transformed with modern post-production techniques that breathe new life into these war heroes, enabling them to live among us once more giving them the opportunity to tell us about their attitudes to the conflict; how they ate, how they slept, the close friendships they formed in those moments between battles and their hopes and dreams for the future.

The title They Shall Not Grow Old is a direct quote taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, which was specifically written in honour of the casualties of the British Expeditionary Force during the

First World War; so not only is the film itself an eye-opening and meticulously researched journey in to the war, but even the title is of great importance, comprised of five small words that carry the weight of every fallen British soldier. It’s a small, but poignant detail.

Premiere

They Shall Not Grow Old will premiere at the 62nd Annual BFI London Film Festival on October 16th at BFI Southbank.

In a special broadcast, the film will also be simultaneously screened to various cinemas and special venues across the UK. Attended by director Peter Jackson, the simulcast will include a special post-screening Q&A with Jackson, hosted by film critic Mark Kermode.

City of Lies (07/09/18)

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (21/09/18)

Johnny Depp and Forrest Whittaker star in this provocative thriller that chronicles the true story and unsolved investigation in to the infamous murders of Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur.

A young orphan aids his magical uncle in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world.

Night School (28/09/18)

The Predator (12/09/18)

A group of adult troublemakers are forced to attend night school in hope that they'll pass the GED exam to finish high school.

When a young boy accidentally triggers the return of the most deadly predators in the universe, only a ragtag crew of mercenaries and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

SuperFly (14/09/18)

With retirement on his mind, a successful young drug dealer sets up one last big job, while attempting to deal with trigger-happy colleagues and the police.

King of Thieves (14/09/18)

A crew of retired crooks pull off a major heist in London's jewellery district.

The Nun (07/09/18)

A priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate the death of a young nun in Romania and confront a malevolent force in the form of a demonic nun.

Tricia Tuttle, the Artistic Director of the BFI London Film Festival, says “Peter’s film offers new understanding of the human experience of life at the front.

The work his team have done on the materials, adding colour and converting to 3D, is painstaking and beautiful. It makes these people from 100 years ago seem so alive and gives an uncanny sense the footage was shot recently. It’s an honour to host the world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.”

Tickets for the BFI Southbank screenings of They Shall Not Grow Old go on sale to the public on Friday 24th August, with UK-wide screenings being available on Wednesday 29th August.

Mile 22 (19/09/18)

An elite American intelligence officer, aided by a top-secret tactical command unit, attempt to smuggle a police officer with sensitive information out of the country.

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A

Christopher Robin

working-class family man, Christopher Robin, encounters his childhood friend Winnie-the-Pooh, who helps him to rediscover the joys of life.

No matter how old you are and no matter what generation you are from, chances are, you are probably familiar with Winniethe-Pooh – the anthropomorphic teddy bear who’s obsessed with honey and lives in Hundred-Acre Wood.

First appearing in A. A. Milne’s 1924 book of poetry, When We Were Very Young, Winnie-thePooh has gone on to become a staple character in literature, appearing in various forms in almost every decade since.

Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga and Roo were all based on stuffed toys owned by Milne’s son, Christopher Robin Milne, who himself was the inspiration for the character of, well…

Christopher Robin.

The longevity these characters have experienced is remarkable, with stories that transcend time and continue to touch the hearts of children everywhere.

Bittersweet

With Christopher Robin, Disney explores a question none of us ever thought to ask – what happens when Christopher Robin grows up?

It is a simple yet fantastic angle to approach this original story from and one that immediately tugs at your heartstrings, as the opening scene is Winnie-the-pooh and friends hosting a farewell party for Christopher Robin as he prepares to leave for boarding school.

None of them know when, or if, they are going to see each other again and it results in a very bittersweet opening that introduces us to all of the characters at an emotionally pivotal moment in their lives.

What follows is an opening title sequence, told in various

chapters, that chronicles Christopher Robin’s journey from childhood to adulthood; the ups, the downs, the good, the bad – to give us an insight into the man Christopher Robin is today.

Christopher (Ewan McGregor) is now a full-grown adult, working as an efficiency expert at a large luggage company in London, managed by the demanding, yet painfully lazy and unsupportive Giles Winslow Jr (Mark Gattis).

He is also married to an architect named Evelyn (Hayley

Atwell) and has a daughter named Madeline (Bronte Carmichael), whom he plans to send to the same boarding school he attended as a child.

With all of his time consumed by his work, Christopher Robin is no longer the joyful individual he once was.

Older

He goes to work at a job he doesn’t like in order to provide for a wife and child he never sees.

Even when he isn’t working, he’s thinking about working and completely, yet unintentionally neglecting his wife and daughter.

Now, I don’t mean to sound insensitive but if you can’t find time for Hayley Atwell then something has gone very, very wrong in your life!

Director Marc Forster and cinematographer M a t t h i a s

Koenigswieser paint a very bleak picture for us, of a life completely devoid of joy and colour and it is represented in the images we see onscreen, with dull and washed out browns and greys dominating every frame and cloudy skies preventing sunshine from penetrating the overwhelming cheerlessness of each day.

The monotony of Robin’s life is suffocating and when he announces to his wife and daughter that he can no longer go on holiday with them because he has to work, the very foundation of his marriage is thrown into turmoil.

Forster does a fantastic job of establishing the unhappiness that encapsulates Robin and his family; in fact, he may even overdo it a little, as audiences will be left exhausted a n d

September

Avengers: Infinity War (03/09/18)

The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the Titan Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe as we know it.

The Strangers: Prey At Night (10/09/18)

A family spending the night at a secluded mobile home park are stalked and then hunted by three masked psychopaths.

begging for some kind of relief and just when you’re left thinking “damn, I thought this was meant to be a cute Disney movie” in walks Winnie-the-Pooh!

Comforting

Jim Cummings, who has been the voice of Winnie-thePooh since 1988, is back again and does a truly wonderful job of bestowing Pooh with his trademark charming naivety.

Pooh’s voice is soft and husky, much like his body, and every word that comes out of his mouth, no matter how nonsensical and dim-witted, just feels comforting.

The film may be called Christopher Robin, but this is very much Winnie-the-Pooh’s movie and he steals each and every frame he’s in.

You’ll find yourself smiling uncontrollably every time he waddles on screen and delivers

a piece of dialogue that simultaneously makes perfect sense, but no sense at all.

The wickedly talented Jim Cummings also voices everyone’s favourite bouncing tiger, Tigger and it is quite astounding that he can give us a character as mellow and carefree as Pooh and a character as exuberant and energetic as Tigger with equal success in the same film.

The rest of the voice cast, comprised of Brad Garrett as Eeyore, Nick Mohammed as Piglet, Peter Capaldi as Rabbit, Sophie Okonedo as Kanga, Sara Sheen as Roo and Toby Jones as Owl are all delightful and bring a loveable familiarity to their roles.

Ewan McGregor is wonderfully charming and animated as Christopher Robin and clearly isn’t afraid to make himself look a little silly for his art, delivering a performance with a brilliantly infectious energy, acting alongside a group of exquisitely computer-generated stuffed toys with the same dedication he lends to the scenes when he’s acting alongside real people.

With Pooh and friends back in his life, Director Marc Forster and cinematographer Matthias Koenigswieser slowly begin to strip away the banality of Robin’s life, with the sun piercing the clouds and providing the film with a warmth and colour that replicates the story being told.

It’s a wonderful, methodical and well executed creative choice and the cinematography on display is arguably some of the best of the year.

Hot on the heels of Paddington and Paddington 2, now was the perfect time to give audiences a new Pooh adventure and while Christopher Robin may not be quite as distinctly quirky as Paddington, it still hits many of the same notes and shares its enormous heart, delivering a warm, funny and adorable family-friendly adventure that’s sweeter than a pot of honey.

Releases

Deadpool 2 (17/09/18)

Foul-mouthed mercenary Wade Wilson brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (24/09/18)

Witness the origin of the galaxy’s most notorious smuggler, Han Solo, as he becomes embroiled in a deadly adventure where he meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca.

A Prayer Before Dawn (24/09/18)

The true story of an English boxer incarcerated in one of Thailand's most notorious prisons as he fights in Muay Thai tournaments to earn his freedom.

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

ENTERTAINMENT BIG SCREEN

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he mysterious and elusive Robert McCall spends his days delivering violent, vigilante justice for people with nowhere else to turn.

However, when his best friend and former colleague is brutally murdered, McCall’s past comes back to haunt him and now, on a quest for revenge, McCall must take on a crew of highly trained assassins who’ll stop at nothing to destroy him.

In the first sequel of his fortyyear career, Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall; a quiet, unassuming man who is actually a highly-trained former government agent who spends his retirement seeking out people in need and absolutely brutalising those who have wronged them.

While that description of the character makes him seem like an evil, borderline psychotic murderer, Denzel Washington does what Denzel Washington does best, by bringing a very real, very human gravitas to the character.

You may not agree with his methods, but it’s easy to understand why McCall does what he does and, let’s face it – it is very easy to root for a character who has made it his own personal mission to rid the world of evil and, while you could argue that his methods make him just as bad as the bad guys, this is a moral dilemma

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The Equalizer 2 that is directly addressed in The Equalizer 2; with McCall being asked if he thinks he deserves to die for the things he has done, to which he replies “a hundred times over.”

McCall is under no illusion that what he’s doing is somehow right or just, but in a world where everybody else chooses to turn a blind-eye to the horrible things happening around them, McCall chooses to address those horrible things with an equally horrible

violence; fighting fire with fire, as they say.

Antoine Fuqua returns to the director’s chair for The Equalizer 2, directing Denzel Washington in their fourth movie together, after Training Day, The Equalizer and The Magnificent Seven.

These two talented gentlemen clearly enjoy working together and that shines through in The Equalizer 2.

Everything moves with a certain effortlessness and nothing feels

forced or laboured, with each man bringing out the very best in the other.

The action sequences feel more refined here than they did in the original, with Fuqua directing them with a rapid fluidity, resulting in fast, intricately choreographed fight scenes where we can clearly see every blow that’s thrown.

A lot of American filmmakers have a terrible habit of directing action in tight close-ups or midshots instead of putting space between the camera and the actors and giving the choreography room to breathe, and this makes it difficult for us to see exactly what’s happening.

Thankfully, this is not an issue that applies to The Equalizer 2.

Fuqua gives the actors space to move and this directing style plays directly in to Robert McCall’s unbelievable spatial awareness, as we see him use the environment to his advantage and assess each situation, picking off his enemies with various items spread throughout the vicinity.

McCall knows exactly what he’s going to do and where he’s

going to move long before any situation explodes into violence and Fuqua does a fantastic job of establishing this.

Unfortunately, The Equalizer 2 suffers from a few pacing issues with Fuqua juggling the various different plot-threads set up in the screenplay.

On top of the main story, there are a handful of side stories that don’t really serve to propel the primary plot in any real way and while they do serve as some nice character development, they also distract from the real story.

Having said that, the character development in The Equalizer 2 is pretty great for the most part, as we grow to learn more about Robert McCall and what makes him tick.

He’s not just a badass vigilante; he’s a real person who has experienced traumas that have led him to become the man he is today.

One of the main things that I believe gives The Equalizer 2 the edge over the original is a greatly improved climax.

I loved everything about the 2014 original, and the climax was suitably bloody and cathartic,

but the villain was built-up to be McCall’s equal in almost every way, leaving me anticipating an epic one-on-one showdown between the two, but it never came.

With The Equalizer 2, Fuqua and company really deliver a finale worthy of the build-up.

Throughout the film, we hear various news reports of a storm approaching – a very obvious metaphor for the violent storm that Robert McCall is eventually going to unleash upon his enemies.

Anyway, when the storm finally arrives, we are gifted with our climactic playground – an abandoned beachside town that has been evacuated because of the storm.

It is an excellent setting for the finale, with the vicious storm sending waves crashing over the buildings and the heavy wind and rain reducing visibility.

It is an intense, violent finale that almost feels like like an old-school slasher movie in its structure; only the villains are the helpless babysitters and Robert McCall is Michael Myers.

With a heavy emphasis on stealth, McCall is depicted as the unstoppable, often unseen killing machine who’s always two steps ahead of his victims.

The Equalizer 2 delivers everything you enjoyed about the original while simultaneously hitting us with a deeper storyline and some strong, emotional character development that really opens our hearts to Robert McCall and now that Washington has lost his sequel virginity, I could honestly see The Equalizer becoming its own, fully-fledged action franchise.

Will we get to see The Equalizer 3? I certainly hope so. How about The Equalizer 4, 5 and 6? Probably not, but all I know is that I will never get tired of seeing Denzel Washington beat up bad guys, so I will be there for each and every sequel that may or may not be coming our way in the future.

At the very least, I hope they give us The Equalizer 3 to round off the trilogy.

HIDDENGems Take Shelter Director: Jeff Nichols Release Date: 2011

“Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions depicting a deadly storm that ravages the world, a young father questions whether to shelter his family from the coming storm, or from himself.”

Take shelter is a small, independent drama that addresses mental health in the shape of a man obsessed with keeping his family safe, who

isn’t sure if he can even trust his own thoughts. It is a powerful story, the likes of which are rarely seen committed to film, held together by some truly remarkable performances that will linger with you long after the credits roll. Michael Shannon, one of the greatest and most versatile actors of his generation, leads the way in this emotionally charged drama and delivers what is arguably a career-best performance.

For the collectors amongst you, a brand new, limited edition Blu-ray is set to be released on September 3rd 2018.

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Motorpoint Staff Raise £640 For Charity Motorpoint staff have raised £640 for Lancashire Mind pounding the streets of Burnley.

Staff from the East Lancashirebased branch of the UK’s largest independent car retailer, which has a long-established 10-acre branch on Rosegrove Lane in the town, swapped their suits for running shoes in aid of their charitable partner when they joined 2,000 other runners taking part in the recent Burnley 10K.

Based in Chorley, Mind Lancashire are a mental health charity who work in partnership with others to provide training and support, and campaign locally to make residents mental wellbeing a priority.

Motorpoint partnered with Lancashire Mind earlier this year after a long-standing relationship with Pendleside Hospice.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all of my colleagues who took part in the Burnley 10K,” explained Cliff Graham, General Manager of Motorpoint in Burnley.”

said: “I wanted to celebrate the magnificence of this unique creature, so my rhino is covered in a chrome finish.

“The idea being that because of the highly reflective nature of chrome it would be seen from a long distance, consequently creating awareness of the plight of this animal in Africa.

Endangered

Land Rover On The Trail Of London’s Endangered Rhinos

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and Rover has embarked on an unexpected expedition to preserve the precious African rhinoceros and its habitat by joining an urban rhino trail across London.

A gleaming Land Rover rhino model, embellished by Land Rover’s Chief Design Officer

Gerry McGovern, made its debut in central London in the latest collaboration of a 15-year relationship with Tusk.

The unique 1.2m-long rhino sculpture was towed into Trafalgar Square in support of the Tusk Rhino Trail, to aid conservation projects for the endangered species.

Aston Martin Recreates Iconic James Bond ‘Goldfinger’ DB5

T

he iconic Aston Martin DB5 is back, thanks to a unique collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films.

Following the successful DB4 G.T. continuation project, a series of 25 Goldfinger DB5 continuation editions*, will be created for customers by Aston Martin Works and EON Productions.

The Goldfinger DB5 continuation will be based on James Bond’s legendary car from 1964 and built by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB5.

They will be authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some sympathetic modifications to ensure the highest levels of build quality and

MOTORS

reliability.

This authenticity will extend to include functioning gadgets such as revolving number plates and more, which were made famous in Goldfinger.

The gadgets will be codeveloped with Oscar®-winner Chris Corbould, special effects supervisor from the James Bond films.

Officially sanctioned by Aston Martin and EON Productions, all the Goldfinger edition cars will be produced to one specification - Silver Birch paint - just like the original.

The most instantly recognisable car of all-time, the DB5 made its first appearance in the third James Bond movie, Goldfinger, alongside Sean Connery as James Bond.

Laden with gadgets and

armaments installed by Q Branch, the secret agent’s Aston Martin became an instant hit with moviegoers.

The initiative involves 21 sculptures donated and decorated by leading figures from the worlds of art and design installed at prominent locations across the capital.

The design of the Land Rover

rhino uses specialist paint techniques from Land Rover’s state-of-the-art manufacturing process to achieve a highly durable liquid metal finish.

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover,

“The red painted horn signifies the absurdity of this beautiful animal being hunted for such a small part of its overall being.”

Traditionally chrome has been used on vehicles to communicate prestige. Land Rover has developed an innovative and sustainable process to create a modern interpretation of chrome using a paint coating called spray chrome.

Inspired by the dye treatments conservationists use to protect rhinos from ivory traders, the horn of the Land Rover sculpture has been painted red, highlighting the plight of this endangered creature.

The London-based art installation was towed into place using a Land Rover Discovery SUV and is designed to raise awareness of the plight of the rhino, culminating in the celebration of World Rhino Day on 22 September. Each of the 21 rhinos will then be sold to raise funds for Tusk projects across Africa at an event hosted by leading auction house Christie’s on 9 October.

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2018

TEEN FLAIR WITH RHEA DEHANEY

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“Know You. Be You. Love You. Shine You”

WITH RHEA DEHANEY

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his month I want to introduce you to two talented young women with different gifts!

This month we have Sophia Sutcliffe, a young and upcoming model from Birmingham, and

a gifted dramatherapist named Zara BaileyMaxwell. Whose work has inspired many, for those of you who are interested in the modelling industry or creative arts please keep reading on!

Model Behaviour

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i, my name’s Sophia Sutcliffe and I’m from Handsworth, Birmingham. I tried to get involved with modelling when I was in college so I was around the ages of 16, 17.

However, because I was trying

to go through agencies straight away it was very expensive and hard for me. I also had to travel to London for photoshoots just to be told I’ll have to pay for a portfolio which cost a lot.

Due to my past experience I left modelling for a couple years until I was 20. A friend of mine knew I was interested so she pointed me in the right direction and now I’m thriving with all the support I have around me and trying to build myself up.

The best advice for the creative industry, in my opinion would be to: be yourself, never give up and don’t be afraid to come out of your comfort zone!

I would say that my inspiration for modelling comes from Winnie Harlow, the Canadian Fashion Model. As she broke boundaries for what is seen as a “Perfect model” because of her skin condition, also known as vitiligo. Which has now been one of the main reasons she is

known, this is both modelling and being a vitiligo public speaker.

To keep up with my current and new upcoming work you can follow me on Instagram @ sophiiiaa_xo and / or Facebook @sutcliffemodel I have a lot of new work upcoming which I am looking forward to sharing with everyone who is supporting me along my journey.

Thank you for choosing me to feature in this month’s edition for the magazine. I highly appreciate it!

H

i, my name is Zara Bailey-Maxwell, I am a dramatherapist by profession, author, drama specialist and lover of life.

I currently work as an emotional and wellbeing therapist for children under 18 and presently run my own fruitful business entitled KYBY Drama (Know You Be You) and SLT (Speak Life Therapies), which have been running successfully for two years.

This independent business consists of two areas; Firstly, KYBY Drama that involves running tailored workshops and programmes for children and young people (CYP) focusing on confidence and self-esteem.

It is all about learning and self-development through creating a fun and encouraging atmosphere, where CYP feel free and comfortable to ‘be’ and ‘love’ themselves.

The second part is entitled SLT, this consists of dramatherapy, one to one or group sessions, mentoring and counseling.

SLT provide spaces to explore self in a confidential and safe manner. I believe everyone has a voice that should be heard, valued and inevitably speak life.

What inspired you to start this company and what is the main aim of your company?

I am an advocate of self belief, self-worth and confidence, these being some of the key areas to success. “Only when you know who you are, can you begin the journey of confidence”.

My aim is to allow anyone who uses my services to be free by providing safe spaces to express themselves in a creative way, allowing them to learn about themselves and the world that they live in.

If more of us learn to accept ourselves for who we are and begin to be confident by loving ourselves, I feel our attitude towards life and each other would be so much different.

My tag line is “Know You. Be You. Love You. Shine You” Which I feel simply explains in a sentence my ethos.

I love that! Self - belief is so important. What is the age range for your company?

The service I offer is to individuals, groups and organizations, providing 1.1 sessions, workshops and bespoke programmes tailored to meet individual needs. It is not a company you can join, but one which provides a service to all ages.

I do at times provide one off programmes and projects that people can get involved in. One such project is “Project I AM” an international mission project.

I have partnered with Esther Grace Foundations (a charity) ran by Amelia Williams along with another colleague Chantelle Atkinson to provide children in schools and orphanages internationally with much needed resources such as books, bags, stationary, clothes toiletries and other basic essentials.

Alongside the resources we will be going voluntarily to three islands Jamaica, Barbados and St Lucia to deliver workshops in the schools around confidence building, self-esteem and knowing and loving oneself.

To raise money for this project

THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS! Reach a diverse audience worldwide Postive, Informative and Objective News Inspiring a New Generation Keeping you connected with your community

we put on various events, the most recent being my published book Ada, which was produced as a play and shown at the Lighthouse Young People’s Centre theatre in Aston, Handsworth.

The community, in particular an organisation called Our Roots who support young children and our local churches, as some of us belong to the New Testament Church of God have been pivotal in supporting us on this journey.

If anyone is interested in getting involved helping with projects like this, or have a great idea which benefits the community or those less privileged than ourselves, they are most welcome to contact me to see how we can support each other, contact details are at the end.

In addition if people still wish to donate a monetary gift to “Project I AM” this can be done through our go fund me page.

I’m so excited to see your work in the future! What advice for those who want to go down the same field?

Go for it! Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something.

Everything is possible.

If you can think it, you can make it a reality! It takes hard work, dedication, commitment and faith to bring it to life.

I would say do your research, ask questions and hang around like minded people who will be able to mentor, help guide and keep you focused on your end goal.

Where people can contact you and any upcoming events?

There are no planned further events for this particular project as we will be travelling in September to deliver the final part of the “Project I AM” however if individuals, groups or organisations are interested in my services they can contact me on the email address below. kybyspeaklifetherapies@ gmail.com

Check out my first Youtube video ‘Rhea Dehaney’ I hope you are blessed :)

Scripture of the month

KEEP IN TOUCH As we are all aware there is power in social media, I will be using these networking sites, to promote this newspaper page, and #TEAMFLAIR which will not only advertise, but will promote

what to look forward to in the newspaper.

I’m not only hoping to create just another column, but a movement, for young people of all races.

To Advertise on my page, or to send me news, information and more, contact me at rhea.dehaney@thephoenixnewspaper.com