Sam Batley

Damien John Kelly House, catering to men in recovery, opened to significant opposition in 2019. Within a short space of time, the abstinence-based recovery living centre had changed the hearts and minds of the local community. Its residents channel their recovery through activity, from team sports to photography, writing, filmmaking and other artistic pursuits. Among them is Sam. A short film about his issues with addiction is the entry point for this portrait of the centre and those who have benefited from it. It highlights how recovery is most effectively achieved through engagement and community interaction.

A man looks back on his younger years and relives some of the moments that led him into his troubles with addiction in later life, he looks back with a mature wisdom that flows as poetry.

A short experimental spoken word film which explores two people's different opinions of a night out, it explores male rivalry and the hopelessness of going out on the piss every night.

The Town I Love So Well pays homage to the abundance of creativity, community and culture brimming at the heart of Barnsley, alongside the hearts of its people. The film’s narrative explores these communities and the richness of their creative pursuit, regardless of generation, circumstance or lived experience.