Hello June
Summer is springing upon us pretty suddenly this year and it’s hard to keep up with all this time passing so quickly! June is here and it’s a really difficult time around the world for most currently, which is why we’ve not only included some recommendations from our team this month, but also resources on how you can currently support what is happening in the world regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
What Are We Up To?
Our founder Caris Rianne was on BBC Tees Radio last week, she shared her thoughts on the hit drama Normal People along with her other suggestions on what to stream from your home. She also discussed our podcast Not Having It All and how she set up the film and tv commentary show with our own Neha Vyas. You can hear the interview on catch up at BBC Sounds here.
Speaking of the podcast, our recent episodes have included a look at Rom Coms from the 2000’s, Women within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Queer Eye, Normal People and most recently Little Fires Everywhere. Make sure you’re following the show on Spotify to keep up to date on the latest episodes! You can find all our episodes here as well as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
We also shared some interviews with members of our team this month! You can read more about our composer Lauren and graphic designer Courtney, as well as a lovely interview with some of the actresses we have worked with over the years about how they’re spending quarantine, what lessons they have been learning and how they’re looking after themselves with self care. You can read them all on our blog here.
Our Team’s Top Picks
TV Shows
Little Fires Everywhere - Amazon Prime
Both Caris and Neha have been watching Little Fires Everywhere, the TV adaptation of the book by Celeste Ng. The show presents an accurate portrayal of white privilege, including micro aggressions which are rarely shown well onscreen, if at all. Starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon, this is not one to be missed. Listen to Caris and Neha’s full thoughts on this in our most recent podcast episode.
Queer Eye - Netflix
Queer Eye - Netflix
The Fab 5 are back with another season and what better time! We need a little fun right now and these guys offer up bunches of it. Queer Eye is a fantastic show to watch when you need a little pick me up, though prepare for tears because as fans well know, it can often get emotional.
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist - All 4
Our Development Co-Ordinator Ashton Clarke highly recommends the musical comedy, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist! The show is fun-filled, featuring a brilliant cast, great songs and fantastic choreography which makes you want to get up and dance along. Perfect for fans of Glee and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. If you’re in the UK, you can watch this for free on All 4.
Selling Sunset - Netflix
If you are looking for a new reality show fix, look no further. The second season of Selling Sunset arrived on Netflix at the end of May and follows the world of real estate. This show is honestly worth watching purely for a glimpse into some very fancy high end properties.
FILM
Da 5 Bloods - Netflix
Da 5 Bloods - Netflix
Spike Lee’s newest film Da 5 Bloods is going to premiere on Netflix on June 12th! The latest film from the fantastic director of films such as Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman is not your standard war drama. The films features a fantastic cast full of talent including Chadwick Boseman. You can watch the trailer here.
MUBI
One of best online streaming platforms for independent films have recently announced a very exciting update! MUBI LIBRARY offers hundreds of films to anyone with a membership, improving on their system of 30 films in rotation. You can now catch many of the films you may have missed and try out a ton of hidden gems. The films in MUBI LIBRARY will change sometimes but there will be a vast amount to choose from.
Podcasts
Talking Sopranos
Fan of Sopranos? Then you have to check out this podcast which Caris is loving right now. Hosted by Sopranos co-stars Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa, we are treated to an episode by episode rewatch sprinkled with inside information, stories from the set and facts you haven’t heard before. Definitely a must listen if you haven’t had your fill of the show.
Books
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
This graphic novel memoir has beautiful illustrations and an unforgettable story. Thi Bui describes topics such as identity, family and the meaning of home. She looks at her parents’ pasts, growing up in tumultuous times in Vietnam and their escape as a family from their war-torn home to building new lives in America. It is truly an amazing book and the graphic novel format is perfect. I learned a lot from this book and I highly recommend it.
Other
ARRAY - When They See Us Learning Companion
If you haven’t yet watched Ava DuVernay’s series When They See Us, I strongly urge you to do so - it’s a difficult watch but it is so important. DuVernay’s grassroots distribution, arts and advocacy collective is a fantastic organisation and their new learning companion is essential. It has been developed to “deepen the conversation and inspire personal action after viewing” the series and encourages participants to learn and take action by exploring systemic injustice. Find out more here.
Buddhify
Buddhify is an amazing meditation app from Rohan Gunatillake. It began as a side hustle and became an independent, family run business. It focuses on meditations for different times - going to sleep, travelling, walking, work breaks and so much more. I was recommended this by my counsellor and I am so glad I downloaded it. It works as a very affordable one off payment so you don’t have subscription costs. I’m a restless human being and often prefer meditating whilst out walking so I adore this app and highly recommend it.
Phoebe Bridgers
What better music recommendation than from an actual musician? Our composer Lauren Bird is currently loving the songs of Phoebe Bridgers. Sure, her songs can be sad but they are the kind of sad that leave you feeling warm inside.
Animal Crossing New Horizons
I don’t know about you but half of my Twitter feed for the past couple of months has been pure Animal Crossing. I recently treated myself to a Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing New Horizons after being a huge fan of the game as a kid. Our composer, Lauren Bird, and I are obsessed with it - it offers a wholesome alternative to real life and has so many brilliant new and improved features from the previous versions. This is a new form of self care and we are loving it.
Anti-Racism Resources
We are horrified by the murder of George Floyd and want to help in any way we can. It’s vital that we all work together to eradicate anti-blackness, systemic racism and violence. Black Lives Matter, and we stand in solidarity with the black community. We are committed to educating ourselves and taking meaningful action. Below is a link to an extensive list of resources including links to petitions, donations, education resources and so much more. Please open the link, bookmark it, read it, share it. Whatever you can do.
Keep up with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for our latest updates. Let us know what you’re looking forward to this month!
Stay safe, look after each other and keep well
Written by Sophie Duncan
