On the evening of February 12, 2025, Chocolate Films hosted a private screening of their latest collection of short documentaries, animations, and archive footage at World Heart Beat. The event, ‘Uncovering the Stories of Nine Elms’, was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent of local creatives and highlighting the unique history and vibrant community of the Nine Elms area.
Bringing Important Stories to Life
The event began with a warm welcome from Rachel Wang, one of the founders of Chocolate Films, and the creative producer behind the films. As a cultural anchor tenant in Nine Elms, Chocolate Films has been embedded in the local community for over two decades, and this screening was a celebration of the area’s rich heritage and evolving identity. Rachel shared that the project began with a collaboration between Quadrant Estates and Wandsworth Council, who tasked Chocolate Films with capturing the human stories, local culture, and historical significance of Nine Elms.
“For many years it was mainly industrial with only few residents. Today it has a very new face/ and a new community/ some of the old community are also still here “
The films screened gave the audience a glimpse into Nine Elms’ past and present, highlighting the area’s transformation from industrial heartland to a thriving residential and cultural hub. From the iconic Battersea Power Station to the bustling New Covent Garden Market, these stories of local industry were brought to life through compelling documentaries, human stories, and creative animations.
A Journey Through History and Community
One of the standout moments of the evening was the screening of a short documentary titled Industry, which explored Nine Elms’ industrial past. The film took the audience on a journey through the area’s most iconic buildings, unveiling how trade and industry have shaped its landscape. Another notable documentary was Rita, which followed the heartwarming story of Rita, a former employee at Battersea Power Station in the 1950s, who revisited the famous landmark decades later. The emotional journey was a testament to the lasting impact Nine Elms has had on its residents.
There was also a focus on the area’s creative spirit, with films such as Westbury Art Club & Wandsworth 575, which highlighted local artists on the Westbury Estate. These artists found inspiration in a curious house of wonders, sparking a new wave of artistic energy in the neighborhood.
Jan, another human story, showcased the life of Jan Knight, a teacher at St Mary’s Primary School, whose retirement marked the end of a long career dedicated to instilling creativity in children.
In addition to these moving human stories, the event featured Battersea Legends animations about two extraordinary women who once lived near Nine Elms: Hilda Hewlett, the first British female pilot, and Elsa Lanchester, the iconic actress who played the Bride of Frankenstein. These animations brought history to life, celebrating the remarkable contributions of these local women to British culture and aviation.
Engaging with the Local Community
What made the evening even more special was the opportunity for the audience to engage directly with the contributors, and community members involved in the project. Following the screening, there was a Q&A session where guests asked insightful questions about the role of local communities in shaping the area’s future, the history and the architecture of the area & even shared personal stories they have of the area.
Looking Ahead: More Screenings and Exciting Projects
We look forward to what 2025 has to offer and plan to host more screenings, including our highly anticipated ‘Out of Sight’ outdoor film festival during the Happy Street Festival in the summer.
Additionally, we are preparing to re-launch our flagship project, 1000 Londoners, this Spring. A long-term project, which aims to document the lives of 1000 Londoners. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, 1000 Londoners is a unique digital portrait of our city offering an insight into the lives of 1000 people who consider themselves Londoners.
“We believe this is really only the start of our creative work in uncovering the fascinating local stories of Nine Elms”
The event was not only a celebration of film and creativity but also a testament to the power of community. Chocolate Films continues to be a driving force in the local cultural landscape, fostering collaboration, creativity, and a deep sense of connection to the area.
Join the Movement
For those who missed the screening, don’t worry! Follow us on social media for updates on future screenings and creative projects.
The success of ‘Uncovering the Stories of Nine Elms’ is just the beginning of a much larger creative journey for Chocolate Films, we hope to continue to make an impact on the local community and beyond.
