A Northern Soul
Filmmaker Sean McAllister returns to home ground for A Northern Soul, having been appointed creative director of the opening ceremony marking his native Hull’s term as 2017 European City of Culture. After years of austerity and a divisive Brexit vote, might this be the moment to turn the place around after decades of neglect? In warehouse worker Steve Arnott, McAllister finds a kindred soul: here’s someone who wants to transform his fortunes – and help others do the same – through the liberating power of hip-hop, but is faced with the suffocating pressures of exactly what it means to be among the UK’s many working poor. (Sight&Sound, Trevor Johnston)
Director's Biography
Sean McAllister
After leaving school at 16 Sean McAllister worked in a series of low-paid factory jobs in his hometown of Hull before finding a camera and filming his way into the National Film and Television School, graduating in 1996. Since then he has made films, working in the UK and internationally. His candid, frank films depict with extraordinary intimacy the lives of ordinary people.
Film Selection: A Northern Soul (2018, doc) - A Syrian Love Story (2015, doc) - The Reluctant Revolutionary (2012, doc) - Japan: A Story of Love and Hate (2008, doc) - The Liberace of Baghdad (2005, doc)
After leaving school at 16 Sean McAllister worked in a series of low-paid factory jobs in his hometown of Hull before finding a camera and filming his way into the National Film and Television School, graduating in 1996. Since then he has made films, working in the UK and internationally. His candid, frank films depict with extraordinary intimacy the lives of ordinary people.
Film Selection: A Northern Soul (2018, doc) - A Syrian Love Story (2015, doc) - The Reluctant Revolutionary (2012, doc) - Japan: A Story of Love and Hate (2008, doc) - The Liberace of Baghdad (2005, doc)
European Panorama Documentary 2019
Sean McAllister
Great Britain 2018
color
73 minutes
English OV with English subtitles / English OV
Cinematography Sean McAllister
Editing Johnny Burke
Music Terence Dunn
With Steve Arnott, Sean McAllister and his parents
Producer(s) Sean McAllister, Elhum Shakerifar
Production
10ft Films Ltd
World Sales
10ft Films Ltd
Austrian Premiere
World Premiere
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2018
Weltpremiere / World PremiereSheffield Doc/Fest 2018
Premierenstatus / Premiere Status
Austrian Premiere
