Firework

Firework is a short creative documentary following the story of Joe, 16, recently excluded from his state school in London and sent to a rural SEN school. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Northease Manor is Joe’s last chance of an education. But he hates the rural isolation, sees his fellow pupils as ‘freaks’, refuses to be labelled, and is hostile to the staff who try to help him.

After a series of rebellions, Joe’s pain and frustration prompt him to run away again, on Firework night. On his return, Joe is threatened with exclusion from Northease, and realizes just what he is losing. But is it too late?

Joe is director Beryl Richards’ son and all the teenagers in the film are students at Northease with diagnoses of autism, Asperger's, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia. The students and teachers are themselves in a story developed from a programme of workshops based round how they experience the world. Firework starts from inside Joe’s head. Heightened sound and extreme close ups create a style which is distinctive, authentic and visceral. Firework pushes the boundaries of creative documentary in a form and style which is imaginative, poetic, poignant – and funny.

Director: Beryl Edwards, Producer: Hilary Durman

BFI/Creative England