Second International Film Award for Essex Film Maker’s ‘Our Journey to Pride’ Feature Documentary Film

Blatella Films feature documentary ‘Our Journey to Pride’ which tells the story of Thurrock’s first ever Pride Festival was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award for Best LGBT Film at the Silver Wings International Film Festival in India last weekend.

The Silver Wings International Film Festival (SWIFF) provides an international platform for upcoming filmmakers to appreciate cross-culture through films and to create a professional network of filmmakers, film lovers, film activists, film buyers, influencers, and different film agencies.

This is the second award the film has won in recent months, as it also won the top prize of ‘Best Featured Film’ at the Lavender Riot Film Festival in Tennessee at the end of 2024. The Lavender Riot Film festival is organised by Austin Peay State University bringing films and filmmakers from across the United States and the world together.

‘Our Journey to Pride’ was produced by Essex film company Blatella Films which is run by Benjamin and Natalie Scarsbrook based in Southend. It follows the story of the Thurrock Pride Festival, as it broke new ground in the borough. The one-day pride festival included performances, panel discussions and information stalls throughout the whole of the Thameside Complex in Grays Thurrock, Essex.

The festival was organised by Thurrock LGBTQ+ Community Network and delivered by Arts Outburst in June 2024, but the film covers the journey the organisers undertook to get to the momentous occasion.

The Film’s Director Benjamin Scarsbrook, of Blatella Films said:
“We hope the film will reinforce the message of the festival, that it’s important to find community and inclusion in your hometown. The fact that the film was not only accepted but awarded at these film festivals so far away from Essex, feels like that message has been heard.”

“As a company and as a couple, myself, and my wife (and business partner) have long supported Pride as allies. As we both grew up in Thurrock, Essex, we felt we wanted to help raise awareness with the skills we have as filmmakers.”

“We have entered the film into dozens of festivals in the UK and abroad, and hope this is these awards are the first of many to come.”

Ashley Alexander & Jack Utrata, from New York based film company Utrata by Design Productions whose film 11 Blocks to Go’ screened on the same day at The Lavender Riot Film Festival said of ‘Our Journey to Pride’:
“This was truly the best feature there. It moved us so much.”

Blatella Films have previously worked with multiple Pride events and have a long-standing sponsorship relationship with Southend-On-Sea Pride. They would love to work on more around the UK in an attempt to promote community and inclusion in society.