30 May Film highlighting housing crisis to premiere at local festival
by Matthew Martino
Britain’s social housing crisis comes under the spotlight at this year’s East End Film Festival with an Election Day world premiere of DISPOSSESSION: THE GREAT SOCIAL HOUSING SWINDLE.
The feature documentary directed by Paul Sng explores the catastrophic political failures over the years that haveled to the current chronic shortage of social housing in Britain, making it urgent topical viewing and contributing to the ongoing debates about the housing sector.
With the prospect of significant changes in council housing policy resulting from the passing of the Housing and Planning Act in 2016, the documentary highlights the plight of long-term tenants who are fighting not just to keep their homes but also to preserve their tight-knit communities from the eroding effects of gentrification and social cleansing.
The film is released nationwide from 16th June.
Director Paul Sng received unprecedented access to residents, politicians and experts in the housing industry and media.
The documentary features interviews with Caroline Lucas MP, Oxford University’s Danny Dorling, author and LSE sociology fellow Lisa McKenzie, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, journalist Peter Hitchens and leading figures from the housing industry.
Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle raises important issues of concern for the future of anyone living in cities in Britain and across the world.
