A Final Look Before Northampton Film Festival Kicks Off
With excitement building, Northampton Film Festival is set to launch on 7th March, promising a diverse lineup of films and filmmakers. As we wrap up our Spotlight on Directors series, we take a final look at some of the unique stories making their way to the big screen. From gothic houses and celebrations of life’s oddities to the relentless pursuit of gold by an athlete, the variety of subject matter has made this journey a fascinating one—each director bringing their craft to life in compelling ways.
Belly of the East
One such project is Belly of the East, a film created by young people through the Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing opportunities for aspiring creatives to build careers in the industry.
These budding filmmakers not only wrote the script but also shot and edited the film themselves. The only thing they haven’t done yet? Seen their work on the big screen. Having experienced it only through YouTube, this festival screening will be an entirely new and thrilling experience for them.
It follows The Hitrz, a British rap group at the peak of their success, who suddenly find themselves at the mercy of the internet’s unforgiving, ever-watchful eye. When their words are twisted in a media article, and they become the target of viral outrage, they lose everything—record deals, street credibility, and perhaps most damagingly, their sense of self. The film follows their journey through the storm of online condemnation, cyberbullying, and a loss of identity, as they attempt to find a way back to who they really are in the face of overwhelming odds.
Director’s Statement
As a filmmaker, my goal has always been to tell stories that reflect the nuanced, complex realities of the world we live in.
Belly of the East is a deeply personal project for me, not just because of its thematic focus, but because of how it came to life. Collaborating with Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation, a youth charity based in East London, we aimed to create a film that speaks directly to the younger generation—especially those trying to break into the creative industry. Working with young people from the foundation’s flagship winter internship program was one of the most fulfilling creative processes I’ve been a part of. The energy, insight, and personal stories they brought into the project added authenticity and urgency to the film’s narrative, transforming it into something that feels not only current but necessary. At its core, Belly of the East is a story about survival—not just in the physical sense but in the psychological and emotional sense as well.
Director Steven shares how he got involved in the project and sheds light on the journey behind Belly of the East.
Belly of the East will be screened at Northampton Filmhouse on Tuesday March 11th at 8.15pm.
As the festival approaches, these films stand as a testament to the power of storytelling and the creative spirit driving Northampton’s vibrant film scene. Stay tuned for more coverage as we count down to opening night.
You can still buy tickets to many films including Belly of the East throughout the festival here: Northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk
To purchase a ticket for Belly of the East visit the link here; Northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk