Brexit and the Belgian Brits (BABBS)
<p><em>“Brexit is breaking something inside us.” </em>But we are resilient, too.</p>
<p>The outcome of the Brexit referendum in June 2016 came as a shock. Then ‘business as usual’ resumed during the transition period... until reality hit hard as 2021 kicked off a dramatically different relationship between the UK and the EU. </p>
<p>1.3 million UK nationals are settled in the EU. Some 25,000 British citizens who made Belgium their home faced profound changes to their lives. </p>
<p>Emma and Louise set up ‘Brexit and the Belgian Brits (BABBS)’ on Facebook in 2017 as a support network: it now has 1,800 members with a story to share.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/704141/54359622-aa5e-46e1-8c3b-3297bb52d232.png" width="100%" /></p>
<p>This short documentary is intended as a community project to highlight initial feelings of betrayal and bewilderment about changes not of our choosing, but also what gives us hope at this historic time. We want to keep a record of how this experience affected us and use this to host screenings and discussions about what Brexit taught us.</p>
<p>We've already gathered great member Vlog posts in response to our Casting Call, and filmed several dozen BABBS members at the silent vigil outside the British Embassy on 31 December 2020 (see first News update). </p>
<p>With your help our story can be captured for posterity!!</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/704142/1eb2e586-a4a2-4bc7-9762-3eebe74dda21.png" width="100%" /></p>
<p>BABBS members who volunteered to help with the filmmaking project have weekly calls since late November. Anny Tubbs has been invited to oversee the project in terms of producing and directing the film using experienced local camera and sound crew so we can capture selected stories in the best possible way. The film can only be made if 100% funds are raised: they will be released if the target is met, failing which all contributions are cancelled.</p>
<p>This fundraiser is underpinned by a preliminary costed budget that includes the following elements:</p>
<p>1. Fundraising admin costs - 8%<br />
2. Pre-production research and planning - 7%<br />
3. Three days' filming in different locations - 60%<br />
4. Post production (edits and background music) - 20%<br />
5 Insurance - 5%</p>
<p>Funds raised in excess of the target amount may be used to film additional footage, cover screening/launch costs and support advocacy efforts for UK nationals in Europe.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/704144/a7bf7148-50ea-4d1a-a4f8-6ef679b013f9.png" width="100%" /></p>
