Then and Now: Be-Longing and Snowball - Foster Care
About this Event
Then and Now: Film Screening & Live Q&A
Join us for a special screening of "Be-Longing" and "Snowball" two emotionally honest films exploring growing up in care, resilience, identity, belonging, and the long shadow of difficult systems.
This is an intimate screening with limited seating, bringing together stories from different generations, followed by a live conversation with the filmmakers and people behind the stories.
Together, the films invite us to consider what's changed for children growing up in care, and what hasn't.
Some stories were never meant to stay hidden.
🎬 About the Films
Snowball
Snowball is adapted from the lived experiences and biography of David Jackson, brought to screen in collaboration with MAD4 Films Ltd.
Set against the backdrop of the 1960s–80s childcare system, the film explores the realities of growing up in care through a deeply personal lens, touching on trauma, survival, belonging, and resilience.
But Snowball is not simply a story about the past.
It speaks to experiences and questions that still matter now, particularly for those working across fostering, adoption, safeguarding, education, mental health, and care support.
Early responses suggest Snowball is the kind of film that stays with people and opens up difficult but important conversations.
One attendee from our January screening described it simply as:
“This film needs to be seen by more professionals.”
Be-Longing
Directed by Mike McKenzie, Be-Longing follows Khoji, a nine-year-old boy navigating life in foster care today.
Through Khoji's experiences, the film explores themes of identity, belonging and the importance of feeling accepted and understood.
Two films. Fifty years apart. One question.
By bringing "Snowball" and "Be-Longing" together, Then and Now invites audiences to reflect on how the experiences of children growing up in care have changed across generations, and what challenges remain.
💬 Live Q&A & Conversation
Following the screenings, guests will be invited to stay for a live Q&A and audience conversation with the filmmakers and contributors behind Snowball and Be-Longing, alongside professionals connected to the themes explored throughout both films.
Panel guests include:
- Blaze – Host
- David Jackson – Screenwriter & Lead (“Snowball”)
- Mike McKenzie – Director
- Steven McKenzie – Production Manager & Co-Host
The discussion will explore the lived experiences behind the stories, the emotional realities reflected throughout both films, and the creative process of bringing these experiences to screen.
Together, we'll reflect on what's changed for children growing up in care over the past 50 years, what challenges remain, and how these stories can encourage greater understanding and conversation.
Guests will also have the opportunity to ask questions and take part in the audience discussion.
🌍 Why This Screening Matters
MAD4 Films creates socially grounded films that explore fostering, care experience, identity, belonging, and the realities surrounding social support systems. The work is rooted in lived understanding and focuses on stories and perspectives that are often overlooked within mainstream media.
Through "Snowball" and the award-winning "Be-Longing", MAD4 Films explores themes including family separation, identity, cultural belonging, childhood trauma, resilience, and the long-term impact of the care system. Both films focus on the human experiences behind these realities and the conversations that are often left unheard.
Bringing these two films together for Then and Now offers an opportunity to reflect on how experiences of growing up in care have changed across generations, while recognising the challenges that remain.
Led by London-born filmmaker, educator, drummer, and creative Mike McKenzie, the company combines documentary, drama, and social impact storytelling to create emotionally honest films that encourage reflection and conversation.
Mike’s films have screened internationally, with "The Pan Man" winning Best Audience Film at the Portobello Film Festival. "Be-Longing" also received international recognition through selections at the Montreal International Black Film Festival, Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival, and Crystal Palace International Film Festival.
MAD4 Films continues to open conversations around care experience, representation, identity, and belonging in ways that feel personal, honest, and accessible. 🎬
📌 Event Details
- 🗓️ Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
- 🕑 Time: 6.00PM – 9:00PM (doors open 5.45pm)
- 📍 Location: London Film School, 24 Shelton Street, WC2H 9UB
Getting there:
The venue is a short walk (1 - 2 minutes) from Covent Garden Station, Leicester Square station (5 minutes walk) and Tottenham Court Road (8-10 minutes walk) with easy access also via bus across London.
Please check TfL or your preferred travel app before travelling.
🎟️ Then and Now Screening | Limited Availability
Snowball and Be-Longing will be screened together as part of a special event with limited seating capacity.
The event includes:
- Screening of Snowball and Be-Longing
- Live Q&A and audience discussion
- Opportunity to meet the filmmakers and contributors
Early booking is strongly recommended, particularly following previous sold-out screenings connected to MAD4 Films projects.
Early bird ticket pricing is available until 10 November 2026.
⚠️ Content Guidance
This screening includes themes and scenes some viewers may find distressing.
Content may include references to:
- childhood trauma
- bereavement and grief
- emotional distress and mental health difficulties
- neglect and abuse
- substance use
- strong language
- rape
- flashing/flickering imagery
- loud music and live performance
Viewer discretion is advised.
All attendees are reminded to ensure all recording devices are switched off. Recording or photographing the film is not permitted.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 15.00 to GBP 20.00
