An independently-made documentary film retelling the eventful life of Mary Stretch, the founder of refugee charity Calais Light, is coming to Chelmsford on 11 October.
‘Legacy: On a Bet and a Prayer’, directed by Lisa Leonce and Oge Austin-Chukwu, tells the powerful story of a woman who is a trailblazing humanitarian and was one of the first black female producer/presenters on BBC radio and television – prominent at a time when there were few people of colour in those roles.
“I went into broadcasting from my brand manager role at Unilever because someone bet me that I couldn’t join the BBC as a film producer,” Mary recalls. “I had no experience and no training but I did it.” That self-belief has carried her through nine different careers, all successful. But, she says, she could not have done it without prayer. “I give God thanks for getting me through many horrific situations and giving me success in these different careers.”
In recent years she has brought her incredible drive to bear on the plight of refugees, organising regular volunteer convoys to help those living in squalor in Calais and using her contacts to provide refugees in bridging hotels here with new, well-fitting clothes. “I have secured £630,000 worth of perfect clothes from major brands over the last three years,” she says proudly. “Refugees are the biggest hot potato in politics now – and I can speak truth to power and represent refugees, particularly (given my broadcasting background) because I sound like the CEOs I talk to.”
Born in Nigeria, raised in Essex and part of the Brentwood Cathedral parish, Mary has faced immense challenges during her life (alongside MS) and has broken through numerous glass ceilings. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but also highlights the significant barriers black women in leadership continue to face, making it deeply relevant for today’s leaders.
Said Mary: “Most people never get the chance to see their lives on a big screen and it was the strangest experience to relive it and to see how these two novice film makers had created a film with the power not only to make me weep but to make complete strangers in the audience cry and laugh with me.”
She emphasises that its aim is to lift and inspire ethnic minority women in Britain to inspire them to go forward, take action and be bold with their lives. “I hope it inspires black women, Asian women, any minoritised women…and white women too…to help them believe that anything is possible for them, despite the obstacles they may face. In spite of racism, their social class and colour, their place of birth, education, divorce status, having children, single motherhood, misogyny, other people’s prejudices, lack of cash, religion or any of the stuff which consistently stops many women from achieving their dreams, goals, aspirations and potential throughout a life.”
The directors, Lisa Leonce and Oge Austin-Chukwu of Sheerah Network, believe that Mary’s journey will resonate deeply with audiences and spark meaningful conversations about leadership, perseverance and the pursuit of change. The documentary premiered recently to a paying and enthusiastic audience in a Chigwell hotel auditorium and Sheerah Network is keen to encourage organisations of all kinds to arrange screenings so that they can raise funds for their next film. They believe the documentary can be especially valuable in corporate environments because the story can open the door to meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion, encouraging leadership teams to reflect on the importance of equity in the workplace.
Event details:
Date: 11 October 2024
Time: 6:30 – 9pm
Venue: Skylark International Church – Chelmsford, 4 Hanbury Rd, Chelmsford CM1 3AE, UK
Tickets: £25pp
This screening also includes a Q&A session with Mary, the producers and directors.
Click here to book your tickets.
Please contact Sheerah Network if you are interested in showing the film in your setting: https://www.sheerahnetwork.com/contact