Published: 15 July 2010
by DAN CARRIER

MY friends at the Hampstead Film Society have two great shows on in the coming month. This coming Tuesday it’s Preston Sturges night, with films about and by the great American comedy film writer and director. 

The first is the rise and fall of an American Dreamer, a documentary about his life, followed by his 1941 film Sullivan’s Travels. He graduated from the slapstick comedy school that boasts the Marx Brothers among its alumni. His films were considered by President Roosevelt as vital in the fight of raising moral during the dark days of the Depression. It’s screened on July 20, doors opening at 7:00 PM, and entry is free. Bargain!

A fortnight later, they are showing the super Small Steps documentary by Tufnell Park journalist Amy Hanson. I featured this a few weeks ago and it’s well worth seeing, and then supporting her project as she takes it around the world to other places where rubbish dumps provide permanent homes for children. She took a camera to Cambodia and has lifted the lid on the shocking world of orphans who live on rubbish tips. Instead of just wringing her hands and coming home with lots of footage, she went back and gave the children shoes. 

This screening, on Tuesday August 3, is a public premiere in London and will give you the chance to find out how you to can help someone take their first steps out of crippling poverty. Visit www.amyhanson.com