Benjamin Green

Sounds at the Edges
(2021)

Sounds at the Edges explores the role of the arts in recovery from substance use. Green followed a group of people in recovery from substance use as they took part in a series of artist-led creative sessions, from working in wood and sculpture through discarded rubbish, to textiles and filmmaking.

The film was commissioned by Manchester-based arts and recovery organisation Portraits of Recovery (PORe).

It follows nine people from Greater Manchester as they learn new skills, explore their creativity and for some, enjoy their first cultural experiences in more than a year.

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The journeys of three Greater Manchester women feature prominently in the film. Janelle, in her 40s, from Stretford, can be seen to flourish as the project progresses, increasing in confidence and starting to apply for jobs. Annie, in her 60s, and from Longsight has previously held several high-level positions. She talks about the impact of retirement on her life, discovering her creative self and decides by the end of the project that she wants to get back into volunteering.And as the project nears its end, Anastasia, in her 50s, and from Baguley, proclaims that she is going to apply for an art foundation course.

The film was shot during socially distanced sessions, as part of a project also called Sounds at the Edges, which ran from April-June 2021. The project was initially due to take place in 2020 but was delayed for a year by the pandemic. Funded by the Greater Manchester ESF Community Grant Programme the project supported work preparedness for future employability. 

The film premiered at HOME, Manchester and was introduced by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.