TISH | Film Screening: North on Screen

Tish Murtha was a visionary photographer committed to documenting the struggle and inequality of the working-class communities that framed her upbringing. Her archive of work from Northeast England and London’s Soho in the 1970s and 1980s is lovingly realised in this exploration of the legacy of her work and private life by her daughter, Ella Murtha.

"A tremendous, humane tribute to a real artist" - The Guardian

As a working class photographer from the North East, Tish felt an obligation to the people and problems within her local environment, and used documentary photography to highlight and challenge the social disadvantages she herself suffered. Unlike many social documentary photographers, Tish was from the same streets as the people she photographed, lending a poignant intimacy to her stark yet tender black and white images. However, despite early acclaim for her work, she was unable to make a living from photography and was unable to escape the poverty she documented. She died aged 56, her work relatively unknown.

Tish’s brilliant eye, her unswerving ethics and constant empathy are present in her images, yet little is known of the artist herself. In this feature documentary we follow Tish’s daughter, Ella, as she opens up her mother’s archive for the first time on screen to reveal a treasure trove of unseen images, artefacts, letters and diaries. Ella takes to the road to meet people who knew Tish and ask why she did not receive more recognition in her lifetime.

In digging into the past, Ella comes to terms with her own grief at her mother’s passing and reconnects with family members not seen in years. By shining a light on a working class artist who went largely unrecognised in her lifetime, the documentary questions the value placed on working class people both in the past and present day.

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Our North on Screen seriesis a celebration of films set in the north and made by northern talent.

Screenings are open to the public and are free, though cinemagoers are encouraged to donate to support future screenings.

This screening is brought to you by Film Hub North as part of the Spotlight Sunderland project which aims to develop and build film opportunities for audiences in the City.

Host or Publisher University of Sunderland