Films, Photos and Social
Independent Award Winning Documentary Makers Since 2017
Latest News From Forge - Updated July 2026
Opening Tees Valley International Film Festival 2026
OUR LATEST DOCUMENTARY FILM
Don't miss out on our premiere on 12th November 2026 at ARC Stockton Arts Centre.
The Hartlepools Bombarded
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
"Documentary makers are hoping their new film on a York police officer killed during World War Two will help historians trace his living family members."
A film made for the community by the community
Trailer
Drawing on the meticulous research of historian John Shaw, alongside contributions from the Raids Over York and records held at York Cemetery, PC Robert Smith’s story is uncovered piece by piece from a past that has long remained silent. Built from newspaper cuttings, census data, and genealogical research, the film reconstructs a life and legacy nearly lost to time.
Set against the backdrop of York’s railway heritage and the devastation of the Baedeker Raid on York, the documentary revisits a night whose consequences still linger.
With limited archival footage available, filmmaker Mick Child employs carefully crafted dramatic reenactments to bring both Smith’s story and wartime York vividly to life. Influenced by films such as This is Sparklehorse and Voyage to Mars: The Longest Goodbye, the narrative is interwoven with poetic scene introductions written by Mick and performed by Lola-Mae Sullivan-Royall, whose haunting delivery adds a reflective and emotional depth to the film.
Blending historical reconstruction with evocative storytelling, the documentary restores Robert Smith’s name to history while confronting the enduring question of why his sacrifice faded from memory.
Premiere at York St John University
This is a ticket-only event. A link to the Eventbrite ticket office will be available here soon.
The screening takes place on Monday 27 April 2026 at 7.30pm in the fantastic auditorium at the Creative Centre.
Why not make a relaxed evening of it by arriving from 6pm onwards to enjoy a drink at Archie’s Uni Bar, located next to the venue on the York St John campus.
After the screening, there will be a Q and A session offering the chance to ask questions about the filmmaking process and the historical background of the event. The discussion will be led by the filmmakers and historians involved in the project.
The film is directed by Mick Child, who is a full-time student studying for an MA in Media Production at York St John University. This film forms his major project. He is supported by fellow cohort members Jay Brown, First Assistant Director, and Daniela Cotognini, Creative Director and behind-the-scenes photographer. The production also includes York St John students Lola-Mae, Carys Berry, Sam Illescas-Ruiz, and Aaran Jai Lock Becker.
George Child BA (Hons) of Rose and Child Studios is our Director of Photography, bringing a remarkable level of creativity to the lighting and overall look of our film.
Other News
One in Two Movie
A proud moment
for the Forge team at the premiere of One in Two, an independent documentary - not Forge - created by our Director of Photography, George Child, and his housemate, friend, and young cancer warrior, David Izekor. The film was made possible with the support of many, including their Executive Producer and mentor Sarah-Jane Wright and Working Title.
One in Two Movie premiered on the evening of Thursday 29 May 2025, at Working Title’s HQ in London. Executive Producer Sarah-Jane Wright praised the film for its maturity and sensitivity, noting the care taken in telling such a personal and powerful story.
BBC & Working Title Images
It is with immense sadness that we have to announce David Izekor’s passing on the 12th November 2025. May David’s energy, creativity, and the promise of a young filmmaker already shining so brightly, remain with all those whose lives he touched.
RIP David Izekor, 18/01/2002 – 12/11/2025
You can read about George and David’s journey as filmmakers in a touching blog from Brighton Rocks International Film Festival. In it, George shares how they met and the process behind making the film. Link;
https://www.rocksfestivals.com/post/interview-with-george-child-dop-co-producer-of-one-in-two
Latest Productions
The Real Bond
A self-reflexive film, by Mick and George Child.
The Real Bond follows the remarkable 17-year journey of a father and son united by a shared passion for filmmaking. Beginning when George was just five years old, the story traces their path to today, as he graduates with a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in Filmmaking.
Together, they recount the highs and hurdles of their adventure: brushing shoulders with A-listers, winning awards at film festivals, selling out cinemas, and receiving support from a top British producer and film company. Along the way, they reveal the practical realities of their craft—from buying and selling gear to constantly raising the bar with each new project—while discovering their mutual love for documentary filmmaking.
This is a story of creativity, resilience, and family. For George, it’s the beginning of a career; for both, it’s the bond of a lifetime.
PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO WATCH OUR STORY