[Short Film] Upshot TV’s ‘Illegal Activity’ shines a refreshing light on familiar images of ‘urban life’

 

I’ll admit I was a tad sceptical after watching the first few minutes of this short film, partially due to the constant bombardment of certain images that seem to be depicting ‘urban life’, and in watching the behind-the-scenes video afterwards, I learnt that I wasn’t alone. I’ve come across other music videos from Upshot and have always been impressed so was interested to check out this short film which I’d been hearing so much about. Illegal Activity presented something to me that I’m used to seeing but with a very unexpected ending which caused me to re-think and also seeks to educate in a way that is really refreshing. 

Illegal Activity is an action-packed drama set in a rough housing estate in London, yet nothing on the block is quite how it seems. We follow Winston a street level dealer and his crew for one day, witnessing the devastating effect their trade has on the block. Society is crumbling, families unravel and desperation causes internal conflict. The need to satisfy this addiction spirals out of control. Police are closing in and are determined to infiltrate the hierarchy in an attempt to put a stop to this Illegal Activity.

Director: Sebastian Thiel
Writers: Najan Ward & Duane Palmer
Producers: Najan Ward, Duane Palmer & Sheila Nortley

 

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