Saint-Helena, the second most remote island in the world, is about to lose its isolation. A story of a small place becoming part of a bigger world
“Saints leaves us with the overwhelming sense that the locals have had little agency in this transformative project. This is modernisation from above. We are reminded of a dichotomy familiar in the postcolonial world: the fragility of voiceless local societies and ecosystems against the inexorable tide of globalisation and development”
Billy Sawyer – Open Democracy
The tiny island of Saint Helena is so remote and isolated that it was used to imprison the serial escaper Napoleon Bonaparte. Even today it lies a five-day boat journey from the nearest mainland. But life on this remote British Outpost will soon be changed for good with the arrival of an international airport. As the construction of the airport begins, the Saints, as they are known, wonder how their lives will change as the high-end eco-tourists start to arrive. An ode to an island that for many years lay forgotten in the South Atlantic Ocean.
HD 70 min / HD 44 min /HD 30 min
Directed & Filmed by: Dieter Deswarte
Sound: Kwinten van Laethem & Yann-Elie Gorans
Editor: Ariadna Fatjo-Vilas
Music: Roman Hiele
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Where memories grew is the outcome of a collaborative project with local residents of Bethnal Green and Shoreditch who guided us on walks through places that hold special meaning for them. Along the way, they shared their stories and memories, recording their voices and capturing the journey in photographs.
Over eight weeks, participants explored creative storytelling, learning skills in photography, audio recording, and non- fiction writing. The process fostered friendships and moments filled with tears, laughter and fun. It built trust and created a supportive space for participants to explore and express their own stories.
The project culminated in an exhibition at House of Annetta, presenting a collection of photographs paired with an immersive sound piece. Together, they show how stories can bring people closer and reveal the threads of connection within a community.
This project brought together Tower Hamlets residents from across generations to share memories and stories of living in the borough. They participated in oral history recordings, photography walks, creative writing, and filmmaking workshops.
From socially engaged stories to personal films, ‘Memories of Tower Hamlets’ offers a glimpse into the lives of those who call it home. Their collaborative works present powerful perspectives, celebrating the area’s heritage and evolving narrative.
The exhibition was displayed both at Tower Hamlets Town Hall and at the Rich Mix.