Us.Man.Dere are a collective of young cultural tastemakers set on transforming the way stories are told and the impacts they leave behind. This film was comissioned by Hive Curates and created by UMD as a part of the Alice Billings Connects cultural programme which aims to celebrate and bring culture and creativity to the high street in Stratford. Together we wanted to tell the stories behind the local businesses, provoke conversation around stories in the hopes of unearthing the culture and community that exists in the area.

We premiered Beyond the Market on 21st September. The night included the their recent film 'Rebirth' and the screening of short pieces by young local residents from the 'Newham through your eyes' open call and some poetry readings from Jonasiah Claudia and of course, Beyond The Market. We rounded off the evening with an Us.Man.Dere directors Q&A where we got behind the scenes of both films.

This commission was one centred around celebrating the culture in the community we live in. The stories told are that of grit and family. Understanding the lives of those who not only operate within the morals but their passions and commitment to their customers and community.

Below you can view ‘Beyond the Market’ and we will be screening ‘Rebirth’ at one of our sites on Liverpool Street on 19th October.

Images from the screening were taken by the talented Grace Moignard and the stills on set were taken by UMD producer Kamila Szymkiewicz.