Horrific Grenfell disaster film will leave viewers disturbed, director warns
A harrowing short film detailing the Grenfell Tower disaster will leave those who watched it upset and distressed, its creator has warned.
Steve McQueen said he brought the work to life so the tragedy is never forgotten.
The 24-minute movie contains close-up imagery in the months after the June 2017 fire will be on view at the Serpentine South gallery in London from next month.
Families of the victims of the blaze, which claimed the lives of 72 people six years ago, are still searching for justice and answers.
The art will go on public view following what the gallery said was a period of community outreach and private community viewings.
Firefighter used selfie in front of smouldering Grenfell Tower on Tinder profile
The production will be graphic and will leave viewers distressed (AFP via Getty Images)
Steve McQueen has a special reason for making the film (PA)McQueen, who was born in west London, sought to create a record by filming the tower before it was covered with hoarding.
The 12 Years A Slave and Small Axe director said: “I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people’s minds. I was determined that it never be forgotten.”
In an interview with the Guardian, he acknowledged there will be people who are “a little bit disturbed” by the art.
72 people died in the fire back in June 2017 (Getty Images)He told the publication: “You must understand that the violence that was inflicted on that community was no joke.
“I didn’t want to let people off the hook. There are going to be people who are going to be a little bit disturbed. When you make art, anything half decent… there are certain people you will possibly offend. But that is how it is.”
McQueen has previously said he feels the Grenfell disaster happened “because no-one was listening to poor people”.
The fight for justice and answers goes on (Getty Images)He told on Annie Macmanus’ podcast Changes, in 2021: “I think with what happened in Grenfell, I remember I was shooting Widows in Chicago when it happened. I just couldn’t believe it. And it happened because people were poor.
“It happened because no-one was listening to poor people. The only reason these people died was because they were poor. ”
The artwork will be on display from April 7 until May 10, after which it will become part of the Tate and Museum of London’s collections.
The inquiry into the blaze is due to present its final report later this year.
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