An Insight Into Hillfields Estate (A Film by Harry Tatem)

An Insight into Hillfields Estate is a poignant black-and-white film that pays tribute to the golden age of British documentary photography, immersing viewers in the raw and unvarnished reality of life within one of the West Midlands' most deprived estates. Shot in a 4x3 aspect ratio, every frame is a meticulously crafted piece of visual storytelling, seamlessly blending innovative camerawork with a deeply emotional narrative.

At its core is the story of a young youth worker, a product of Hillfields Estate, whose journey reflects the resilience, struggles, and sense of community that define this overlooked corner of Britain. Through their eyes, the film explores themes of hardship and hope, offering an evocative and heartfelt portrayal of a world often unseen.

Celebrated for its cinematographic excellence, An Insight into Hillfields Estate has earned multiple accolades, including the Bill Vinten GTC University Award, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the Audience Prize at the Nahemi Shorts Film Festival. Its bold visual style and resonant storytelling leave a lasting impact, capturing the spirit of an underrepresented community with both artistry and authenticity.

Bill Vinten GTC University Awards - Winner
Best Cinematography - Winner Nahemi Shorts Film Festival
Best Editing - Winner Nahemi Shorts Film Festival
Audience Prize - Winner Nahemi Shorts Film Festival
Best Film in Screening - Winner Nahemi Shorts Film Festival
Film Craft Award - SDG Film Festival 2024

Reviews:

"Absolutely blown away by this film shot,
produced and directed by Harry Tatem.
Very stylish and inspired use of black and
white, slo-mo and reverse action."

"Inspirational film. I loved that it was B+W
and 4:3. Really made it stand out. Extremely
well thought through. Every shot was beautifully framed and edited. "

"Harry Tatem is a very talented cinematographer.
Wow - brilliant. Highly stylised monochrome
photography conveyed so much mood. Truly
an insight - the pictures said it all with the
sound of silence, upsof, narration and voices.
A gritty and slick watch from beginning to
end. BCU smoking, portrait faces, collages
and compilations of images each one a gritty
treasure of life on the estate. Social housing
and residents. Excellent use of view point
throughout. From punchy push ins to bike
frame POV. The lighting felt natural in the
vignettes and the blacked out stage effect
studio lighting soft and hard at the same
time. Super effective."

"This short film exemplifies the talents of a
multi skilled individual. The production is
highly creative, with outstanding
composition and inventive camera work,
reflecting a high standard of
professionalism."