Hillsborough: 36 Years On
A poignant look at the lasting impact of the day that would change Merseyside forever
📸: Jake McCarthy (@jakemccarthyfilm)
The team reflecting on the film 📸: Ethan Cooper (@2eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.ethan)
What was it like to live with the Hillsborough Disaster?
Both myself and director Benjamin Roxburgh have family members who were present at the Hillsborough Stadium for the disaster in April 1989, therefore making this documentary was extremely personal for us. Our main focus for this documentary, however, was the effect of the disaster on the city of Liverpool over the past 36 years on. We interviewed those who grew up in a nation tainted by The S*n’s lies, and asked how this had affected them personally. Through this, we began to understand more about our own heritage, and grew closer with our families.
Frank McCarthy at Thurstaston Cliffs 📸: Ethan Cooper (@2eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.ethan)
Understanding the “Scouse not English” Attitude
A primary reason why we made this film was to understand the “Scouse not English” attitude that Liverpudlians frequentlyy hold; particularly of interest was exactly when this became commonplace. Our interviewees helped us to understand that this attitude had reached its climax at the point of the Hillsborough disaster and the slander spread by tabloids, but had been present throughout the decade and even back into the early 1800s.
One of the best things about doing projects like this is beginning to understand part of your own history. I feel closer to my heritage and am so thankful for the opportunity.