April 11, 2023 by Editor

View and vote! Green wall film selected for filmmaker festival

Our film ‘The Great Green Wall of Brighton’ has been selected for the ‘First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Online Film Festival’.

We need your vote! You can buy a ticket to the programme here, and cast your vote: https://checkout.liftoff.network/p1-ft-sessions-april-2023/

The programme runs from 10-24 April online, and features many fabulous offerings from first time filmmakers. We are in ‘Programme 1’.

Our film celebrates the role nature plays in the health and well-being of towns and cities, with a focus on the unique features of Brighton & Hove.

It includes stunning new footage from filmmaker William Ranieri alongside rare archive images, and interviews with a range of national and local experts.
Directed by William Ranieri and written by James Farrell, this film is proudly produced independently by Latest TV Brighton.

The festival supports grassroots independent artists and first-time filmmakers. By attending this festival, you are supporting the future of independent cinema, and giving the special nature of Brighton & Hove an international voice!

For tickets to the online programme, visit https://liftoff.network when the festival opens on April 10th.

https://liftoff.network/ft-filmmaker-sessions-april-2023/

January 13, 2023 by Editor

The Great Green Wall of Brighton – new film explores the role of nature in cities

A new film by LatestTV about nature in cities will premiere on Sunday 15 January 2023 at 3pm at Latest Bar, Brighton.

Made by LatestTV with James Farrell from Brighton & Hove Building Green and The Human Nature Partnership, the film ‘The Great Green Wall of Brighton’ celebrates the role nature plays in the health and wellbeing of towns and cities, and focuses on some of the special features of Brighton & Hove.

First, the health-giving properties of the sea – including the tradition of sea bathing established in the town.

Second, the ‘green wall’ on the eastern seafront in Brighton that was planted by the Victorians 150 years ago this year. The green wall is a unique and influential example of integrating architecture and planting for the benefit of people and wildlife, pre-dates Madeira Terrace, and is the longest and oldest green wall in Europe.

James interviews a range of national and local experts, and the film includes stunning new footage from Latest filmmaker William Ranieri alongside historic images.

“People in Brighton and Hove have opportunities to be close to nature which are the envy of many other cities. The seaside, downs and urban green spaces all boost our happiness and wellbeing – and provide places for wildlife to thrive. This film tells this story – from sea bathing in the 1700s, to Victorian innovation in urban design – and shines a light on the very unique and special ‘green wall’ we have on the eastern seafront.”
James Farrell, Brighton & Hove Building Green

“We are really pleased to have been producers of this film and to be premiering it! I have been on the community advisory group for Madeira Terraces for a year or so and know how important the Green Wall is to Brighton. James Farrell tells the story beautifully.”
Latest TV Director Bill Smith

Screening

The film can be seen on LatestTV studio at 13-17 Manchester St, Brighton, on Sunday the 15th January at 3 PM
RSVP for tickets to the premiere by contacting LatestTV.

Biography

James Farrell is Founder of Brighton & Hove Building Green, a community network which has been instrumental in protecting and managing Madeira Drive Green Wall, and raising the profile of green infrastructure in the city.

He is a coach and environmentalist, Founding Partner at The Human Nature Partnership, and Director of The Natural Coaching Company, and author at Nature Connection Books.

Contact James.

September 15, 2022 by Editor

Happy birthday to Madeira Drive Green Wall – the oldest, longest green wall in Europe! 150 years old this year.

Planted in 1872, the hundreds of Japanese spindle plants have grown to create a wall almost a mile long at Madeira Drive in Brighton & Hove. Today over 100 species of flowering plants can be seen growing here, along with a range of birds and other wildlife. In recognition of its importance, Madeira Drive Green Wall has been designed a Local Wildlife Site – the only one of its kind in the UK.

The green wall forms an integral part of the East Brighton seafront, and backdrop to the famous Madeira Terrace. The terrace, and green wall, both feature in a forthcoming film from LatestTV to celebrate this anniversary. The film will explore Brighton’s historic connection to the environment, the benefits for health and wellbeing, and the plans to restore and enhance Madeira Drive for the future.

Today, Linda Standing, volunteer with Portslade Green Gym, planted a baby Japanese spindle tree to celebrate the Green Wall anniversary. Green Gym volunteers have been working at Madeira Drive for 10 years, and are vital to the care and attention the green wall needs.

Building Green supports the work the Council are proposing as part of the restoration of Madeira Terrace. This will involve safeguarding and enhancing the green wall, as well as introducing other environmental habitat.

This proposal can be viewed in the planning application summary statement here – and you can comment using this form here.

The film below sets out what is planned.

September 6, 2022 by Editor

We need your photos and videos! Work starts on film of Madeira Drive and the history of Brighton & Hove’s connection with nature

Filming starts this month on Madeira Drive, to tell the unique story of Brighton’s connection with nature.

The film is being made by James Farrell from Building Green and LatestTV, and will describe modern Brighton’s origins as a city founded on the sea – especially the link between sea-bathing and health. It will explore the fascinating history of the development of Madeira Drive – as place of Victorian invention, and a place to walk in nature, to see and be seen.

The film will also look ahead to the plans to restore and rejuvenate this neglected part of the city for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors…and the nature environment we all depend on.

We are looking for good quality photos and video of Madeira Drive – especially wildlife on and around the green wall. It can be taken on a phone, or perhaps a camera. If you have anything please send a link to info@building-green.org.uk before the end of September.