What started as a ‘behind the scenes’ film about Terence Davies’ last movie Benediction, became 50 minute portrait of the man described as ‘Britain’s greatest living filmmaker’. With unparalleled access to the director at work, contextualised by critics reexamining his previous films, we discover what makes Davies unique.
Directed, shot and edited by Roland Denning, produced by Steve Gough for EMU films.
Five minute extract on the right.
Mario’s Café in Kentish Town, North London, is a meeting place for a community that ranges from plumbers to rock stars, from vagrants to families, a little island of resistance against the onslaught of corporate culture.
Started by his Italian grandfather in the 50’s, Mario has been running the tiny cafe for the last thirty years. Mario makes his espressos and waits for the waitress who is always late and who he swears he’ll fire but never will, he talks about how he never intended to end up running a café and wonders if he’ll ever leave. As the day continues we witness the extraordinary affection between Mario and his customers and realise that Mario’s is more than just a café.
Complete movie on the left (and a 3 minute update made in 2023).
More information HERE
Stroud Film Festival 2023
Winner BEST FILM Portobello Film Festival 2022
Winner DOCUMENTARY SHORT Brighton Rocks Festival 2021
Filmed exactly as it happened over three years.
Nominated for Best Documentary - Portobello Film Festival, London 2023
Special Mention - Swedenborg Film Festival 2022
From 2010 to 2019 I made a series of films and audio pieces, both dramas and documentaries, with Murray Anderson-Wallace of PATIENT STORIES to provoke debate and inform about safety and quality issues in healthcare.
You can watch them HERE