This year's BAFTA nominations have caused quite a stir, with some surprising omissions and unexpected inclusions. While many focused on the absence of 'Barbie' from the best film and director categories, another film garnered attention in the outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer category. 'Blue Bag Life,' a small, low-budget British documentary, made its way onto the list, surprising many and earning recognition for its deeply personal and unflinching exploration of addiction.
'Blue Bag Life' is a poignant portrayal of a life affected by addiction, told through the lens of artist Lisa Selby's personal photos and videos originally shared on her Instagram account. The film follows Selby as she navigates the aftermath of her mother's death and her partner's relapse and incarceration. It is a raw and emotive journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The film gained momentum after winning the audience award at the 2022 BFI London Film Festival. Released in the UK in April 2023 with Modern Films, it has managed to maintain its buzz and secure a spot among the BAFTA nominees, despite having little in the way of an awards campaign.
What sets 'Blue Bag Life' apart is its unique production story. The film was a collaborative effort, with Selby, alongside editor Alex Fry, co-directing alongside Rebecca Lloyd-Evans, who originally envisioned the film as a feature after connecting with Selby on Instagram. Additionally, Josie Cole, the co-writer, and Natasha Dack Ojumu, the producer from Tigerlily Productions, joined the team, creating a five-person collective. This departure from the traditional hierarchical structure allowed everyone involved to be credited as filmmakers on the project, with equal partnership and pay.
Lloyd-Evans and Dack Ojumu highlight the challenges they faced working within this collaborative framework. Traditional industry practices and organizations like BAFTA are not accustomed to this type of filmmaking, leading to confusion during the nomination process. However, the duo expresses their delight and surprise at the film's recognition by BAFTA, emphasizing their status as underdogs.
Despite minimal campaigning, 'Blue Bag Life' has struck a chord with audiences, earning positive word-of-mouth and resonating with viewers through its exploration of various themes such as addiction, infertility, and complicated familial relationships.
The collective approach taken by the filmmakers challenges the notion of a singular auteur and allows for each member's unique perspective and experiences to shape the film. This model proved successful, empowering Selby to have a sense of control over her life story and ensuring that her personal documentation was respected and included.
While this collaborative approach brings forward benefits, it also poses challenges when it comes to industry procedures like submitting for awards. The rigid structure of the industry often struggles to accommodate collective efforts, leading to oversights and complications. Nevertheless, the filmmakers remain dedicated to showcasing the collaborative nature of their project, with all five individuals attending the BAFTA ceremony.
Although not expecting to win, the collective hopes that all members will be acknowledged on stage, while being conscious of not overwhelming the audience with multiple speeches. Their desire for visibility and equal recognition highlights the team's commitment to challenging conventional filmmaking norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and collaborative industry.
'Blue Bag Life' is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and the benefits of embracing unconventional filmmaking approaches. Its BAFTA nomination speaks to its emotional impact and the resonance it has achieved with viewers. As Selby, Fry, Lloyd-Evans, Cole, and Dack Ojumu stand together on the red carpet, they embody the spirit of creative collaboration and the strength that can arise from shared experiences.
