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THE FILM.

On The Other Foot, is a light hearted story about humanity and real life in the UK, although recent events globally echo this story.  In the light of the recent happenings around the world, the film cleverly discusses race in a comedic narrative designed to enlighten and educate a ripe audience.

 

It highlights some of the underlying tones experienced globally on a daily basis by people of colour but done in a tasteful way so as not to offend the viewer, but while educating and captivating . The story is a clever comedy based in London, the heart of the UK. Recent times have highlighted racial disparities and brought to light the differences that are deeply entrenched within many societies. The story was written, directed and produced by award winning Fredi Nwaka , Executive producers, Cham Joof and Grayson McRae, and the third film from Fredi Nwaka's Production house Are We Dead Yet Ltd. 

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the film
The facts
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MEET THE WRITER

My starting point for ON THE OTHER FOOT came from a desire to create something that was as real to life as possible but also something light hearted, comical and easy to digest. 

I wanted to create a movie that can be both fresh and edgy while still being accessible to individuals from all walks of life and provide life lessons carefully balanced with moments of entertainment, to ensure the film can be enjoyed on multiple levels. What may appear on the surface to be an instantly disposable popcorn movie can still have multiple layers that can appeal to a wide  audience, allowing them to return again and again. The most important job of any director is to understand what emotional reaction an audience should have to a film, not just overall, but during each and every beat of the piece. For me, it is important that the hard hitting moments of the film are not lost to hazel-gazing or preaching about morality, but that the character arcs and story beats are, at the same time, not merely a superficial path to stereotypes . By letting the characters come alive and allowing us to care about each and every one of them, and by maintaining an often frenetic pace, I plan to keep the audience constantly engaged and entertained. Almost all British Urban films are the same, telling the same old gun or knife toting, drug selling character, predictable story lines and yet rarely are we offered anything new and unique- a film which is fresh, cool, relevant and that will appeal to audiences globally. Not everyone likes Urban films but you can be rest assured that every one likes a good real well executed story and 'ON THE OTHER FOOT ' brings that to the table in droves. Not only is it a heartfelt movie but it is exciting, current,extremely real and above all, also tells a  story which will have a moral self searching effect on its audience. 

On The Other Foot will appeal to multiple demographics and cultures with its diverse and universal cast.

You can find out more about Fredi Nwaka by visiting

www.fredinwaka.co.uk

The mission
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Q & A WITH FREDI NWAKA

1 )What made you write this film?

I was fostered by a white family in Deal, Kent and for many years was the only black person in the town. I experienced racism to heart breaking levels while in Deal including being tied to trees, spat at, skin scratched off , most of which will be explored in my fourthcoming book.  After the untimely death of George Flyod and the global marches I wanted to create something that was different to just marching and waving around banners. 

 

2) Is this your first feature film?

I have made 7 short films, however this is my third feature length film.  My previous two feature films  being The Living Dead and She's The One (Loves Spell in the US). Id like to think of myself as a triple threat as all films were written, directed and produced by me. The life of an indie film maker.

3) What was it like filming a feature film during the pandemic?

I'm not going to lie, it was extremely challenging. It's hard keeping a cast and crew safe at the best of times but also trying to keep them safe from an invisible killer was a whole movie in itself.  I had a great team plus our Covid Safety officer was on point and made sure that we were fine every step of the way.

4) Did you purposely select the members of the cast for any specific reason? Eg, you thought they might connect with the roles they were playing?

 

It was great to cast this movie for several reasons. All the cast were hand picked as they stand firmly against racism which was important to me. Some of the cast who play part of the racist meeting group are actually my Foster family from Kent which again added a sentimental touch to the movie. Being brought up in Kent at a time when racism was at its heights, I was still loved and cared for by some of these people. My lead actors Aurie Styla and Tim Faraday who both play "Billy Pitcher" were just perfect and I had no hesitation in casting them.

 

 

5) What are your hopes for the impact this film will have on its audience? What would you like to see happen in an ideal world?

 

I'm hoping this film will leave an ever lasting mark on the world and change the perspective of those who are racist. Even if one mind is  changed or even one person is influenced in a positive way by the film then my job is done.

 

6) If you met a real life "Billy Pitcher" in a taxi, how would you deal with him and his attitude towards black people?

 

It's funny because I've met hundreds of "Billy Pitchers' in my life time, at work, in the gym, on the street etc.  When I was younger I'd be easily  drawn into the ignorance and  conflict however with age and wisdom I chose to ignore and try educate where possible.  Everyone is entitled to their opinions and views, all be it right or wrong, negative or positive. I experienced extreme racism being brought up in Kent as the only black boy in my town including  being called abusive names, tied to trees, spat on and even having my skin  scratched at to try and remove and despite all of this I have no racism in me at all.

 

7) After experiencing racism yourself in your life would you say that racism stems from a place of ignorance or hatred or a bit of both?

 

I believe there are many factors which contribute to racism. Yes ignorance plays a major part but also experiences, environment and lack of knowledge is an important factor.

 

 

8) Do you think that racism is within the film industry as well and if yes, have you experienced it yourself and how did you deal with it?

 

I believe racism is in every industry and all around us. In some industries its more prevalent and at the forefront and others its hidden but its always there. I've experienced it from managers, colleagues etc but it's something you learn to deal with. Things are slowly changing.

 

9) How would you describe On The Other Foot in your own words?

 

Short and sweet.... I'd say its a game changer. We have never had anything like it in the UK so I'm buzzing to see what kind of impact it has.

 

 

10)What's next for Fredi Nwaka?

 

My world is non stop right now, not that I'm complaining. I'm working on another film Executive produced by Peter Andre, a TV drama out in Canada plus I'm directing a psychological thriller which I also wrote. I also have a book coming out. 

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