Tonight I went to a screening at Peckham Multiplex called ‘Consume Peckham’, which consisted on 18 short films, each focusing on a different business based in Peckham.

The work of film students from Chelsea, the film wove together a tapestry showing the many many sides to Peckham’s Rye Lane, and beyond. Its aim was to show the link between cultures and commercialism.What was really interesting to see was that many of these students had never been to Peckham before, and most had pre-conceived ideas about what they would find. One of the students admitted they were unhappy when they heard where they would be filming.Throughout the film they demonstrated that what they found totally betrayed their expectations. The film showed a collection of the decent, hard working, funny and warm characters that are to be found in Peckham. It showed the real community and energy which exists in Peckham town centre. It gave a fascinating insight into some of the businesses which wouldn’t even normally be noticed. It was funny and poignant in equal measure.

I particularly liked the short film set in the Bussey Building. From the outside it looks like a run-down warehouse, looking closer though and the film shows that it’s a bustling hive of artists, faith and community groups all existing happily alongside each other. This struck me as good metaphor for all of Peckham.

A memorable line in the film came from someone discussing the town’s regeneration: “gentrification without alienation”. As a hopeful council candidate, this line resonated with me. When regenerating Peckham and drawing up the Area Action Plan, it’s important that we don’t just throw up a load of ‘posh flats’ which are out of reach of normal people and hope a load of trendy wine bars open. To successfully regenerate the area we need to provide better opportunities for the current residents (transport, education, youth activities, for example), so that they aren’t pushed out. New homes have to be affordable. I’m also sure that the emerging artist community will have a crucial role to play over the coming years, in providing the buzz that will attract a younger crowd.

One of the films focused on the sculpture of a phoenix, symbolising the re-birth of Peckham. I actually saw the phoenix a few months ago in front of the station (see picture above!). Obviously unaware at the time why it was there, I still thought it was cool piece of art and photographed it. So it was nice tonight to get an unexpected answer as to what it was all about!

I was also hugely impressed with the turnout at the event. Despite the early 6 o’clock start the cinema was completely full. I spoke with the manager of cinema afterwards, and she hopes they can show the film again, given the excitement it generated. It was a real credit though to the hard work which people are putting in to Peckham town centre, to try and improve it and show the world that Peckham isn’t all about gangs and crime.

Peckham’s Rye Lane is the largest town centre in all of Southwark. People come from all over to shop there. It is unlike any other shopping street in London. The film was an uplifting and inspiring collection of work that will help remind people that Peckham needs to always be confident about itself. We need to do more to challenge peoples’ ideas about Peckham, and the reputation it has. Films like this are a great help.