We are delighted to welcome Maddie Lock to the E.D.E.N. Film Productions team! Maddie will be working as a Facilitator for E.D.E.N. Digital, our online filmmaking project for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Maddie is an award-winning queer, non-binary filmmaker, programmer and facilitator, born in Eastbourne, and based in Brighton. Inspired by seaside histories and minority groups through their experiences within these communities, they hope to capture these once forgotten (or erased) voices through their films, embedding accessibility at the core of everything that they do/make. They have a passion for documentaries, DIY filmmaking, archives, representation on film, and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to create films – all of which they are excited to be bringing into their role as Lead Facilitator for E.D.E.N. Digital.
This inspiration to spotlight underrepresented voices led to the creation of Worm Factory, a Sussex-based collective focussed on providing fully accessible film and arts opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+, with a particular focus on trans/non-binary individuals, and people from working-class backgrounds.
They have been shortlisted and delivered a pitch for the Iris Prize Documentary Film Fund 2024, and was selected for the Short Cut Film Fund 2023/24 by Young Film Network South East. Their short films include Monsters (2023) and Welcome to the Puppet Show: A Day at the Circus (2024).
A statement from Maddie about joining the E.D.E.N. Team:
I’m so excited to be joining the E.D.E.N. team as Lead Facilitator on the E.D.E.N. Digital project. I’ve always loved cameras, but it wasn’t until I was told that DIY filmmaking is just as important as big-budget filmmaking that I’ve been able to begin creating films and calling myself a filmmaker. This is something I’m most keen to bring to E.D.E.N. Digital, as I believe everyone can be a filmmaker and deserves to have the chance to share their unique voice, regardless of what training or kit they have, it’s the stories they tell that matter.
I can’t wait to begin putting the programme together alongside Claire and the E.D.E.N. team, with a focus on DIY and low-budget filmmaking so that everyone has an opportunity to make films. I have a particular interest in documentary films, community-focussed narratives, and archival footage, so there will be elements of these things too but all through a low-budget lens. Hopefully people who join the programme will leave with the confidence to call themselves a filmmaker and a long-lasting passion to create films, as well as a network of fellow LGBTQ+ filmmakers.”
E.D.E.N. Digital launches on Tuesday the 4th November, 6-8pm on Zoom. More details, including how you can sign up, will be released soon.
A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this role!
