To celebrate Coventry Moves, Coventry City of Culture Trust have produced a one minute film telling the story of Coventry’s history. It celebrates the city’s story of progress through culture and creativity, interlaced with the City of Culture’s new branding design and portraits of Coventry’s diverse citizens along the way.
Featuring remastered archive footage, scene-by-scene it unveils pivotal moments and iconic locations from throughout the city’s history. The original protest movement led by Lady Godiva, the land-speed record breaking Bluebird, Coventry City’s crowning moment of the 1987 FA Cup and the city’s two cathedrals all feature. The film closes on the city’s famous ring-road.
Recognisable Coventry faces appear throughout the film. This includes musician and composer Delia Derbyshire, who pioneered British electronic music, and Pauline Black from Coventry’s Two Tone scene, known for making great leaps towards racial integration in the 1980’s and contributing to today’s burgeoning urban music.
The film was made in partnership with visual artist Ewan Jones Morris (represented by Friends Electric) and developed by creative studio Uncommon.
The score, re-mastered by Grammy and Golden Globe nominated composer Clint Mansell, is an adaptation of his track We are all Stardust. Born in Coventry and now based in Los Angeles, he is known for his dramatic and critically-acclaimed film scores for Black Swan, High Rise and Requiem for a Dream.
The film is voiced by Coventry-born acclaimed actress, writer, and director Manjinder Virk.
Composer Clint Mansell said:
“I was born in Coventry many years ago but left while I was still very young. When I was asked to be a part of this film it afforded me a wonderful opportunity to rediscover and learn about the city where I was born, its culture, history, energy, and its future.”
Actress, writer and director Manjinder Virk said:
“I feel genuinely thrilled to voice the film for Coventry City of Culture. As a Coventry kid it’s where my passion and love of the arts began. I’ve seen the city continue to grow as an exciting and creative place for old and new generations.”