Maureen Softly and Sue Hall Interview Each Other 1974
digital file Black & White Sound 1974 23:34
Summary: Sue Hall interviews Maureen Softly about the court case in which she was served an eviction notice for squatting at St Leonard Square.
Title number: 23069
LSA ID: LSA/30341
Description: Maureen says that the Judge made an order which was essentially an agreement between the Council and the Judge, with little consideration of Maureen's first-hand accounts. She says she listened to those two representatives have a conversation without feeling involved as an agent of the decision. She speaks about how the traumatising situation led to her collapsing and her deteriorating mental health, leaving her unable to work. Then, Maureen turns the microphone on Sue and interviews her about what she thinks the council should be doing. We can hear GC’s baby crying in the background as GC remains just outside of the frame.
Sue speaks about the council’s "bureaucratic jungle” and how they do not consider squatters as participants in political life. Sue explains how short-life accommodation should be utilised and made open to the homeless. Maureen then speaks about her dread about moving to a local hostel and their poor living conditions. She brings up an interview Hoppy did last year, where the interviewee explained that either people stay in this area or the communities are forced to break up and the people who remain are able to attain better living conditions as a result. They mention how the government is trying to depopulate inner London at the price of tearing communities apart.
Credits: Sue Hall (Filmmaker)
Cast: Maureen Softly
Keywords: squat
Locations: Camden
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