Tish

Paul Sng’s powerful film celebrates the work of social documentary photographer and trailblazer Tish Murtha and her commitment to fighting for the lives of working-class communities in 1970s and 80s North East England. Tish was driven by a fierce conviction to record the impact of Thatcher era de-industrialisation upon local communities, striving to highlight and challenge the social disadvantages that she herself had suffered. Her striking black and white photos convey a tenderness and intimacy and are a powerful record of a world decimated by a new and ruthless form of capitalism. The film follows Tish’s daughter Ella as she revisits key moments from her mother’s life and work. She is accompanied by people who remained close to Tish throughout her life, and who are committed to ensuring her remarkable legacy is recognised.

Genre: Documentary

Technical Details

Length: 90 minutes
Language: English
Certificate: 12A
Format: DCP/DVD/Blu-Ray

Release

Date: 17th November 2023

Press

“Tish Murtha, who lived a life as tough as those she shot in different eras of deprivation and marginalisation, receives a wholehearted and riveting tribute” The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw

 

“Details leap out from the photographs, not just the faces of those she captured, but the twist of cigarette smoke, metal ashtrays recalling the tang of wet ash, plasters on scrubbed knees” Eye for Film

 

“An authentic insight into the devastating impact of unemployment and poverty” Screen International

 

“Paul Sng’s intimate documentary resurrects a fleeting art radical, honouring her incisive political views as well as her photographs”  Sight and Sound