SUCCESS came from across the Atlantic for local filmmaker Benjamin Scarsbrook and his documentary about Thurrock's first ever Pride.

'Our Journey to Pride' won the top prize of 'Best Featured Film' at the recent Lavender Riot Film festival in Tennessee. The festival, organised by Austin Peay State University brought films and filmmakers from across the United States and the world.

The feature documentary film, produced by local film company Blatella Films which Benjamin runs with his wife Natalie, follows the story of the Thurrock Pride festival as it broke new ground in the borough. The one-day pride festival included performances, panel discussions and information stalls throughout the whole of the Thameside Complex in Grays.

The festival was organised by Thurrock LGBTQ+ Community Network and delivered by Arts Outburst in June of this year but the film covers the journey the organisers undertook to get to the momentous occasion.

"We hope the film will reinforce the message of the festival, that it's important to find community and inclusion in your hometown." Said the film's director, Benjamin Scarsbrook. "that our film was not only accepted but awarded at a festival so far away, feels like that message has been heard."

"As a company and as a couple, myself and my wife (and business partner) have long supported Pride as allies. As we both grew up in Thurrock we felt we wanted to help raise awareness with the skills we have as filmmakers." Benjamin added.

Ashley Alexander & Jack Utrata, from New York based film company Utrata by Design Productions whose film 11 Blocks to Go' screened earlier in the day said of 'Our Journey to Pride' "This was truly the best feature there. It moved us so much"

Blatella Films have previously worked with multiple Pride events and have a long-standing sponsorship relationship with Southend-On-Sea Pride.

"We have entered the film into dozens of festivals in the UK and abroad, and hope this is the first of many screenings to come."