‘A Northern Soul’ inspires Merthyr audience

‘Thought-provoking’, ‘poignant’ and ‘inspiring’ were just three ways that the audience described the film ‘A Northern Soul’, screened by the Bevan Foundation in Merthyr Tydfil on Friday 10th May 2019.

The film, by BAFTA-nominated director Sean McAllister, tells the story of Steve Arnott, a Hull-based warehouse worker who has a dream to bring hip-hop to marginalised communities in Hull. The story follows Steve as he manages to establish a ‘Beats Bus’ only to loose it at the end of Hull’s year as City of Culture.

Sadly Steve was unable to join the south Wales premier of the film as he was in hospital, but we were privileged to hear director Sean McAllister explain how he got to know Steve, the highs and lows of filming, and what has happened to the film’s stars – and the bus.

Sean also made connections between Steve’s experiences at the hands of his employer and his struggle to make ends meet, and the wider problems of in-work poverty, debt and unaffordable housing.

Dawn Bowden AM (l), Sean McAllister (centre), Victoria Winckler (r). Credit: M Eaglestone

Dawn Bowden, Assembly Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, gave a vote of thanks and Victoria Winckler, Director of the Bevan Foundation, presented Sean with a ‘Dial M for Merthyr’ mug, Kyffin Williams print, and a Bevan Foundation goody bag.

Anyone wanting to help Steve and team to realise his dream of the Beats Bus can contribute to his crowd-funding appeal at: https://uk.gofundme.com/hullbeatsbus