"Cheap Meat" Short Film Fund

THE STORY / HIKAYE

ENG:

‘Cheap Meat’ is a slice-of-life film that blends social realism and satire, centred on Devrim, a Turkish migrant working in an East London chicken shop. As Devrim navigates her place in a rapidly changing world, her interactions with her undocumented immigrant co-worker Kasım, and Emre, a second-generation migrant whose father owns the shop, she faces the broader cultural and generational divides ever present in London's migrant communities. This bilingual short film deals with the day-to-day absurdities the characters encounter, from language barriers, and comical misunderstandings, to heartfelt moments of shared humanity. Through their daily lives and the diverse customers they serve, the film explores themes of class difference, labour exploitation, and cultural identity.

The bilingual nature of ‘Cheap Meat’ serves as a poignant element in illustrating the identity clash experienced by the characters. As migrants living in East London, they navigate the intersection of multiple cultural identities, often reflected in the language they use. ‘Cheap Meat’ seeks to balance serious social commentary with moments of levity and humour. The dynamic between the characters not only highlights the generational and cultural divides but also the resilience and solidarity that emerge in the face of hardship. This film is a heartfelt exploration of solidarity, identity, and the search for a sense of belonging.

TR:

‘Cheap Meat', Doğu Londra'daki bir tavukçu dükkanında çalışan Türk göçmenleri konu alan, sosyal gerçekçilik ile hicvı harmanlayan ve hayattan kesitler içeren bir film. Devrim, hızla değişen dünyada yönünü ararken, dokümansız göçmen iş arkadaşı Kasım ve patron konumundaki ikinci nesil göçmen Emre ile olan ilişkisi üzerinden, Londra'nın göçmen topluluklarında şimdiye kadar mevcut olandan daha geniş kültürel ve kuşaksal ayrımlarla yüzleşiyor. Bu iki-dilli kısa film, dil engelleri, komik yanlış anlaşılmaları, insanlığın paylaştığı ortak samimi anlar üzerinden, karakterlerin günlük yaşamları ve hizmet verdikleri çeşitli müşteriler aracılığıyla sınıf farkı, emek sömürüsü ve kültürel kimlik temalarını araştırıyor.

Karakterler arasındaki dinamik, yalnızca nesiller arası ve kültürel ayrımları vurgulamakla kalmıyor, aynı zamanda zorluklar karşısında ortaya çıkan dayanıklılık ve dayanışmayı da vurguluyor. Bu film dayanışmanın, kimliğin ve aidiyet duygusunun araştırılmasıdır.

DIRECTORS' STATEMENT / YÖNETMENLERİN AÇIKLAMASI

ENG:

‘Cheap Meat’ is a project born out of a desire to illuminate the nuanced lives of immigrants in East London, the exploitation they suffer, and the strangely absurd and humouristic situations they encounter. As two migrants who have lived in different countries over the years, and have tried to make the UK their home, both of us have often grappled with the complexities of cultural identity and the pressures of economic instability. This film reflects those experiences through the lens of Devrim, Kasım, and Emre, whose lives intertwine in their place of work. The chicken shop serves as a microcosm of broader societal issues, including exploitation, identity, racism, as well as the interactions between people that don’t get shown often enough – being helpful, kind, and generous with each other.

Paul & Işık

TR:

Yıllar boyu farklı ülkelerde yaşamış ve Birleşik Krallık'ı kendimize yurt edinmeye çalışan iki göçmen olarak, her ikimiz de sıklıkla kültürel kimliğin karmaşıklığı ve ekonomik istikrarsızlığın baskılarıyla boğuşuyoruz. Bu film, bu deneyimleri, yaşadıkları işyerinde hayatları iç içe geçen Devrim, Kasım ve Emre'nin gözünden yansıtıyor. Tavukçu dükkanı, sömürü, kimlik, ırkçılık gibi daha geniş toplumsal sorunların yanı sıra insanlar arasında eksik kalan yardımseverlik, nezaket ve cömertlik gibi etkileşimlerin bir mikrokozmosu olarak hizmet ediyor. 'Cheap Meat', Doğu Londra'daki göçmenlerin yaşamlarını, maruz kaldıkları sömürüyü ve karşılaştıkları saçma ve esprili durumları aydınlatma arzusundan doğmuş bir projedir.

WHY WE NEED FUNDING / NEDEN FONLANMAYA İHTİYACIMIZ VAR

ENG:

Creating a short film involves substantial costs, even with a dedicated and passionate team of volunteers who have generously offered their time to the project. We need your support to cover essential expenses such as travel and transportation, location, and catering for our incredible cast and crew.

For example:

£350 will cover the production design costs

£100 a day will cover food for all the crew and cast

Additionally, funds will go towards camera and lighting equipment to ensure the highest quality for our visually ambitious project.

Your contributions will help us bring this story to life, shining a light on important social issues through a blend of drama and comedy. With your help, we can create a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, fostering empathy and understanding in our audience.

Thank you for your support in making "Cheap Meat" a reality.

TR:

Kısa bir film oluşturmak, projeye cömertçe zaman ayıran gönüllülerden oluşan kendini adamış ve tutkulu bir ekiple bile önemli maliyetler gerektiriyor. Oyuncu kadromuz ve ekibimizin seyahat, ulaşım, konaklama ve yemek gibi temel masraflarını karşılamak için desteğinize ihtiyacımız var.

Örneğin:

£350 Prodüksiyon Tasarım masraflarını karşılayacak

£100 tüm ekip ve oyuncular için bir günlük yemek sağlayacak.

Fonumuzun önemli bir kısmı, görsel açıdan iddialı projemizde en yüksek kaliteyi sağlamak için kamera ve aydınlatma ekipmanlarına aktarılacak.

Sizin yardımınızla hem eğlenceli hem de düşündürücü, izleyicilerimizde empatiyi ve anlayışı geliştiren bir film yaratabiliriz.

‘Cheap Meat’ i gerçek kılmaya olan desteğiniz için teşekkür ederiz.

Keep up with 'Cheap Meat' HERE !

'Cheap Meat' i BURADAN takip edin!

BEING PART OF THE FILM

• £20

Receive a thank-you shout-out on our film’s social media channels.

• £50

Get a digital download of the finished film, plus a social media shout-out.

• £100

Receive exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and a digital film download.

• £250

Your name will be listed in the credits under ‘Special Thanks,’ along with behind-the-scenes access and a digital download.

• £500

Receive an Associate Producer credit on the film, and all previous rewards.

• £1,000

Get an Executive Producer credit, still prints from the film and all previous rewards.

THE TEAM

IŞIK KAYA [Co-writer / Co-director]

Işık Kaya is an international stage and screen creative based in the UK. Her diverse body of work includes directing, scriptwriting, and performing. Işık’s creations often explore themes such as identity, mental health, political safety and liberty all viewed through a feminist and working-class lens to create a voice for the marginalized. Deeply committed to collaboration, community, and social impact, Işık focuses on the immigrant experience and socio-political landscapes aiming to carry out hope and solidarity.

Currently, she is the co-creator of the play ‘The Mute Messiah’ – premiered at Theatre Deli as part of the Shift + Space programme and will be shown at Hay Festival, Tsitsit Fringe Festival, and Camden People’s Theatre in 2024. Her portfolio also includes the short film ‘Metamorphosis’ (2023), video art projects ‘Dew’ (2024) which has started its festival journey at Ruthin International Arts Festival, and ‘Fool Me Once’ (2024), the installation artwork ‘Görüldü / Seen’ (2024).

PAUL KAIBA [Co-writer / Co-director]

Paul Koloman Kaiba is a theatre and film director, dramaturg, writer and scenographer who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Aberystwyth University. His past work includes the National Theatre Wales production A Proper Ordinary Miracle, and the transdisciplinary performance project GALWAD, and he is currently part of NTW’s Emerging Dramaturgs group. His most recent work includes the play The Mute Messiah, which premiered at Theatre Deli in London and will be shown at the Hay Festival, Tsitsit Fringe Festival, and Camden People’s Theatre in 2024, as well as the short film Glory Days.

He is a former Artist-in-Residence at Theatr Clwyd, and received the Riverfront Theatre’s Creative Commission for his devised piece LOWLAND. His work revolves around fostering exchange with individuals from diverse lived realities to facilitate access and participation in both creative and democratic spheres, creating a politicized theatre that opens discourse on a spectrum from global to hyperlocal issues.

CYBI WILLIAMS [Producer]

Cybi is an artist and producer, working across the mediums of live performance, film, animation, and painting, as well as leading and facilitating participatory art projects. Cybi’s artistic practice is rooted in moral honesty, aiming to create work that is accessible, transparent, and relevant. Embracing the idea that the significance and aesthetic of art are shaped by both the artist and the audience, Cybi’s work reflects these democratic values.

Recent work includes being an associate artist and young company producer for the interdisciplinary project GALWAD, and his current work as a producer for the Imperial War Museums. Growing up in a post-industrial town in Wales, Cybi often directs his work toward the people of this place, while also striving to reach new audiences. Believing that art must adapt beyond gallery spaces to stay relevant, Cybi’s analysis tends to be satirical, without claiming to have all the answers.

SIMONE MARTIS [Production Designer]

Simone is a Sardinian theatre maker. He engages in scenographic work that muses on alienation, identity and its negotiation, biography and culture. Blending elements of symbolism, deconstruction, world bending and endurance, he creates for theatre, film and both physical and online spaces.

Simone has presented, produced and collaborated on performance works across the United Kingdom, Italy and Romania. He adopts a holistic approach to his work, often engaging in collaborations adopting roles such as assistant director, choreographer and producer. Recent producing credits include Velvet Oyster (2023) and Female Troubles (2024)

Ali AL [ D.O.P]

Ali was born and raised in East Libya. He got inspired by Egyptian cinema to take his first steps into the film industry. In 2017 he relocated to London to further pursue his filmmaking career. Since then Ali has worked on music videos, commercials and short films as both Director and Cinematographer.

KADIR ARICI [1st AC]

Mehmet Kadir is a cinematographer with a passion for storytelling through the lens. A graduate of Dokuz Eylul University Fine Arts Faculty of Photography in 2016, Mehmet has further honed his skills in the darkroom and analog film, which laid a strong foundation for his freelance videography work in Istanbul, where he gained extensive experience in the industry. To enhance his educational pursuits and expand his creative horizons, he is now pursuing an MA in Filmmaking at the University of East London (UEL).

Mehmet is known for his dynamic editing style, embracing the latest technological tools to create engaging and visually striking content.

Mehmet’s work includes participation in the installation “Görüldü / Seen” (2024) which explored the theme of “communication in modern times” through a multiscreen discipline. He also edited the short documentary film “Mieszko” (2023), which was selected for the official selection at the London Dorset Film Festival. Additionally, Mehmet contributed to ‘Fool Me Once’ (2024), a video art project that critiqued the relationship between politicians and society.

MARK RODRIGUEZ [AD]

Mark Anthony Rodriguez-Rangel (he/him) is an emerging filmmaker from the United States who has a tangible passion for social commentary and activism, highlighting POCs. During his Acting training in NYC, Rodriguez has performed regionally (San Diego Rep, Chain Theatre, & Provincetown Playhouse) working with Gabriel Vega Weissman (Guards at the Taj) and Juan Castano (Red, White, & Royal Blue, Tales of the City) before going to London to receive his graduate degree in Film and Stage Directing. Two of his biggest and proudest accomplishments is his directorial film debut, No Choice, and being a part of his first original published cast in Soundscapes.

ESMOND YAO [AD]

Esmond Yao is a young filmmaker graduating from BA Media Production degree in 2024 from The University of East London. Over the last few years, he has accumulated a plethora of experience both as a videographer-editor and as a filmmaker on a vast number of projects. This includes making short form video content for The University of East London as part of an internship.

As a writer, Esmond focuses on telling human stories and experiences whilst finding ways to interweave surrealist and visually creative ideas. His graduate film ‘Switch On’ (2024), has just started its festival run and in it’s pre-production phase has already won a competition from BFI in collaboration with Post-production house Pictureshop. He also has experience as a self- shooting videographer and editor, making various short & long form video content for artist collective Art In The Docks. Going forward, Esmond is working on expanding his filmography and experience in the industry.

UMUT DOVEN [Sound Design & Original Score]

Umut Doven is an international sound designer & musician based in Berlin, Germany. With a career that spans various mediums including film, documentary, television, commercials and music production, Umut’s work is characterized by the art of auditory storytelling, bringing narratives to life through innovative sound design that enhances emotional and psychological layers of the story.

Umut's portfolio features a diverse array of projects that tackle themes such as human connection, environmental issues, social justice, and cultural identity. Dedicated to pushing the boundries of sound design through new technologies and methodologies, Umut’s portfolio includes notable short films such as Ajotin (2021), for which he received the UUF Sound Design Award, as well as Nilüfer (2017) -Sabancı Short Film Festival 2017 Best Film. His documentary works spans various impactful topics, including the music documentary Blue (2017), and documentaries focusing on women's rights and migration issues. Umut has had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Tolga Karaçelik and the Taylan Brothers. Additionally, he has contributed his sound design expertise to the Netflix series Kubra (2024).

JOSHUA A. [Sound Recordist]

Joshua, born and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados, has always been immersed in creativity. From a young age, he wrote and sang songs, nurturing a desire to create accompanying videos. To pursue this passion, he attended a Filmmaking Summer Camp for three years, where he learned the basics of film production. This early interest led him to study Film at the University of East London, where he developed a particular fascination with the sound aspect of film, closely linked to his love for music. Since then, he has worked on numerous short films, music videos, and creative projects. Joshua is thrilled to contribute to this project and eager to bring his skills and enthusiasm to the team.