‘Run Free’ a documentary filmed from the heart

WHEN MANIFESTO Jamaica landed in Parade Gardens, neither the group or the 11 young men who became a part of the programme knew how much their lives would change.

A homegrown non-profit organisation that uses arts and culture to propel young people to being their best, Manifesto partnered with the British Council and the National Theatre of Scotland, with the goal of empowering the young men. Their journey began in 2014 with the rigours of rehearsals — the essence of the documentary being to get the young men to use a French concept known as Parkour, or running free. In Scotland, it is called The Jump- the technique allows the participants to literally jump over obstacles together, breaking free to tell their stories.

But like all true drama, there are disappointments, and deaths along the way. These experiences provided the extra fuel for the young men to tell their stories. Then they were invited to perform on the big stage of the National Theatre of Scotland in 2017.

This is the story of Run Free: A Documentary, which premiered on Friday at the Serengeti, located at the Hope Zoo, St Andrew.

Run Free is dedicated to the memories of two members of the group -Chaddie and Squiddly, who lost their lives to the violence in their community.

The film opens with an eye-catching panoramic shot of the city, and gradually zooms in on Fleet Street in Parade Gardens. On display are photos of Chaddie — Squiddly is speaking highly of his friend. That was one of the most powerful scenes in the film — a year later, Squiddly’s voice too was silenced.

When Jamaicans tell their stories there is sure to be humour, and so it was in Run Free. A witty moment comes when a few of the young men adopt a British accent after receiving their visas, and later in their reaction to the cold weather in Scotland.

Boldly written subtitles make it easy for those not familiar with the Jamaican or Scottish accents to follow the dialogue. The film is also a powerful testimony of perseverance, character building, family and relationships.

Simon Sharkey, associate director of National Theatre of Scotland, in making his remarks said, “It [the film] helps young people understand the future of their own possibility.”

Lesley-Ann Welsh of Manifesto said that they have received confirmation that the Glasgow Film Festival of Scotland wants to screen it in 2019. “We are open to film festivals, schools, community centres, anywhere this kind of content can speak to growth, community building, personal development, or any space willing to welcome this story, we are happy to share it with them.”