Sharing Our Lives: Migration Stories from Thurrock

In 2022 and 2023 we set out on a journey of discovery collecting stories of Thurrock’s migratory history. Thurrock is a diverse area with a vibrant past and lots of exciting stories to tell. The project was an ideal opportunity for people from this unique area, who have been ‘hidden from history’, to have their voices heard.

Working with a team of Heritage Champions – a group of local people brought together specifically for this project - we uncovered memories of journeys into, through and out of Thurrock, both recent and long ago.

Filmmaker and educator Fotis Begklis worked with a group of local filmmakers to storyboard, film and edit a series of short films documenting just some of the stories collected.

Credits
Director and Editor: Luiza Sestini Dos Santos
Story Collector: Perola Sestini
Camera: Fotis Begklis
With special thanks to Isabel, Lorena, Marina and Ovidio

These stories have also been used to inspire a new series of songs, oral history recordings and an exhibition.