The Uncertain Kingdom: Interviews with the filmmakers behind this post-Brexit project

The Uncertain Kingdom is an anthology of short films responding to a post-Brexit world in the UK. Bringing together 20 emerging and established filmmakers, it presents a varied and provocative snapshot of a country in crisis.

Its diverse range of films tackle topics from climate change to migration, austerity to homelessness, sexuality and disability, in innovative and unique ways. From documentaries to comedies, animation to theatre and dance, a wealth of different mediums are used to unearth varied perspectives on a changing world.

Despite its launch being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, and indeed the issues of Brexit being somewhat overtaken by it, Uncertain Kingdom remains pertinently relevant as it throws a spotlight on a divided and unequal nation.

We had the pleasure of sitting down (virtually) with some of the filmmakers and those behind the project.

Hope Dickson Leach (The Levelling) told us about her inspiration behind Strong Is Better than Angry, which introduces us to a broad range of women burning off their frustration in a kick-boxing class – some on a dummy of David Cameron’s head…

Carol Salter shared what influenced her to make Left Coast, which gives us a glimpse into the lives of those working in and relying on food banks in coastal towns of North West England. The short reveals the hardships faced by many behind the headlines of economic growth and the heartwarming moments of kindness that take place in such communities.

The director behind Drop the Dead Donkey, Guy Jenkin, spoke to us about his off-beat comedy Death Meets Lisolette starring Hugh Dennis, which tackles – in a non-conventional way – the taboo topic of death and our right to choose when we go.

Runyararo Mapfumo directed her short What’s in a Name, which follows a handful of Brits who explore the challenges they’ve encountered with their non-Western names and celebrate how their names express who they are. She dives into why she wanted to get involved with the project, what it means to be British and how this can be explored through someone’s name, alongside her personal experience.

And finally, co-producer Georgia Goggin took us through the genesis of the project, how she and her fellow producers chose the filmmakers to be involved and her reflections on what the impact of the project could be, which is more important now more than ever.

 Sarah Bradbury

The Uncertain Kingdom is available to watch on digital platforms from 1^st June 2020.

Watch the trailer for The Uncertain Kingdom here: