I have recently left my role as a project co-ordinator at The Paraorchestra and Friends to become a full-time film maker.

The British Paraorchestra are the worlds first large-scale orchestra for professional musicians with disabilities. In that role I discovered the incredible characters, outstanding talent and true determination of the musicians and the people behind the orchestra.

So, I decided to use my skills as a young female documentary maker to make a short documentary about one of the orchestra's most unique performances.  The film takes in the journey of The British Paraorchestra as they gear up to perform at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, as part of the Birmingham Classical Season – the first time a disabled ensemble had ever performed on one of the best concert hall stages in the UK. The concert, conducted by Charles Hazlewood (Artistic Director of The British Paraorchestra) showcases composers Adrian Lee’s work alongside Lloyd Coleman’s (Paraorchestra Associate Music Director, composer and musicians) symphony Towards Harmony. The concert was performed in collaboration with the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

The film was co-funded by the Paraorchestra and by myself, I put a lot of my own time and determination to make sure the film was made. I used my own camera kit and hired my own specific team because I was so passionate about the project.

In October 2017 the film won Best Short Documentary at the London International Film festival and is now a finalist in the Manhattan International Film Festival 2018 in New York City! I am trying to raise the funds to get out to NYC, see the film screened at the festival and raise interest in the documentary to be screened elsewhere. I have raised £250 of support already and would be very grateful on any contributions.

The documentary is one of 10 films in the world that has been chosen to be shown and might have the chance to win another award. Please help promote the amazing work of The British Paraorchestra on the international stage and support a freelance filmmaker trying to make social documentaries with impact. If it wins, it could be shown all over the world.

See TRAILER below: