General Features

Francesca’s Key, a short film commissioned by MADE for ISIS Waterside Regeneration, starring Birmingham schoolchildren has been premiered at the Odeon Cinema on New Street.

The red carpet event united art and regeneration for the grand finale of an innovative consultation process for the development of Icknield Port Loop – the area surrounding the Edgbaston Reservoir and one of the largest regeneration sites in the Midlands.

Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker, Pogus Caesar, Francesca’s Key draws on local history to tell the mystical story of Francesca, a local girl who runs away from home and embarks on a journey through the reservoir.

Ashleigh Lewin, age 10 from Barford Primary School acts the part of Francesca, a local girl who runs away from home, and embarks on a journey through the reservoir.

"I was really excited to win the role. As Francesca, I come across three different characters, all with a different story to tell about the history, including the story of the famous Blondin who performed a tightrope walk across the reservoir, a war-time home guard and a Butlins representative who worked at the Zoo in the 1930s." she says.

Mystical adventure

MADE director Julia Ellis said, "The film is a mystical adventure story inspired by the texture and the distinctiveness of the local landscape around Edgbaston Reservoir. Incorporating culture into the development process ensures that the heart and soul of the area is equally important to good design."

Producer and Director Pogus Caesar explains, "Working on the film, we've unearthed the history of the area by talking to local residents, listening to their stories and working with the Ladywood Arts Centre, a local history group, to delve in to the past and retrieve as many historical facts as possible.

Key stakeholders in the future of Birmingham were at the special screening, alongside local residents, and of course the stars of the film – pupils from Barford Primary School, which is situated next to the Icknield Port Loop development. Guests will include representatives from Birmingham City Council, regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands and The Lord Mayor, who presented the pupil-actors with certificates.

Nick Bird, development manager at ISIS, which controls 28 acres of land inside the canal loop and adjacent to Edgbaston Reservoir, said: "The thoughts, opinions and ideas of local people are vital for the redevelopment of Icknield Port Loop to create a special and important place, now and for future generations. We're ensuring that the area’s rich past is not forgotten when regeneration takes place."

"This work, together with a range of technical studies will influence the production of a comprehensive masterplan for the site. ISIS is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands to deliver the regeneration of Icknield Port Loop and intends to transform this underused area into a vibrant and sustainable community, where people choose to live, work and invest."