I, Daniel Blake

#Gadgees attended :

Special Screening of I, Daniel Blake for Changing Lives’ Clients at Tyneside Cinema on 30th October 2016

#Gadgees, not being film devotees, include a review by our favourite critic, so we can consider the event as a whole:

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/oct/23/i-daniel-blake-ken-loach-review-mark-kermode

@folkastro

This #Gadgee approached the film with an open mind given the media debate about the accuracy of the content.

The film itself as an artwork was superb; really powerful drama and dialogue. But believable, as you know much of the suffering felt by ordinary people (caught up in a political show of force) is real.

Certainly, it casts in a new light how we treat our older people - many of whom have worked all of their lives and need support when they are unwell.

The farcical situation where Daniel Blake (who is classed as disabled by a specialist) is reclassified by a civil servant and can't appeal because he hasn't had the phone call seems to gel with today's welfare state. Then he needs to seek work to get Jobseeker's Allowance and have photo evidence of this; but can't take the job he gets because he's truly disabled.

At all times he is treated as a second class citizen and his word is doubted without "proof". A computer only appeals system doesn't work for a generation who don't understand and don't have family to help.

The personal witness statement and observations from a panel after the show indicate many people are sinking fast in the current system; there has to be a better way! This was a powerful piece of work and pulls at the emotions - there is so much more to say about it but you must experience it for yourself.

@Gerry0504

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 The first comment is that this is not some Orwellian nightmare set in a dystopian future, it is THE HERE & NOW IN OUR CITY, in towns & cities all over the UK.
Having seen reviews & clips from I, Daniel Blake this #Gadgee was prepared for the inexorable progression to the invevitable conclusion, although leavened by small acts of kindness & the famous Geordie black humour mentioned in reviews.
The visceral image of the single starving mother, Katie, devouring a tin of beans with her fingers in a corner of a food bank is an indelible memory.

What struck me was the systemic oppression of ordinary people by the State in these circumstances, caught in a 21st century Catch #22. 

This movie should have FOC screenings around the country to reach the people affected.  DO IT!

Afterwards, I was privileged to hear the discussion of the issues raised in the movie by the panel & audience members invited by the 'Changing Lives' charity, ably chaired by Jessie Jacobs.

A lovely lady, Lynn (second left in photo), gave a moving account of her personal situation, which was as relevant as anything in the movie, with a positive outcome as she has turned her life around. 
The audience too gave some contributions to validate the truth of the film as fact not fiction.

The guy on the right in photo (I think maybe John), an unemployed volunteer for Unite, helps unemployed people fill in forms & prepare for tribunals/appeals.
Kema Sikazwe,(second from right) who played China gave an account of working on film c/w his upbringing in west end of Newcastle, a valuable contribution. 

Jamie Driscoll (left in photo) gave an impromptu closing speech at short notice to close what was, ultimately,  a powerful, positive event.



In addition,  #Gadgees went round to #NewbridgeProject #HiddenCivilWar 

http://thenewbridgeproject.com/events/hidden-civil-war/

 to see what they missed & sign the wooden installation, where they met Jessie Jacobs & Janie Driscoll (many thanks)