Leaward is a quiet exploration of the River Lea and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Harringay and Tottenham, shot over the course of a single day without pre-production. Through encounters with local people and spaces, the film reflects on the texture and rhythm of an often-overlooked part of North London. Anamorphic lenses give a sense of openness and place, while an original score by local composer Chris Dennis, alongside ambient location sound, helps anchor the viewer in the environment. This is the director’s home, and the film is a personal response to it—guided in part by Leyla from Living Under One Sun, a local organisation, who speaks to the challenges and joys of the area, and the enduring importance of community.

Official Selection, Offbeat Film Festival 2025