Challenge 59 is a participatory dance and film project directed by Jo Rhodes and co-produced by East London Dance, in which I directed films conceived by primary school children. The project empowers children and their teachers to actively engage with health and wellbeing issues within their communities. Predicated upon a fast food restaurant promising to serve customers within 59 seconds, Challenge 59 asks: what else could be done in 59 seconds that can empower children to reclaim their health and take responsibility for their lifestyle choices?

Over the academic year 2017/18 the Challenge 59 team invited primary schools from across East London to explore and tackle health & wellbeing issues with their pupils through the use of dance and film in the classroom. The project culminated in a celebratory film premier at East London’s Rich Mix Cinema, attended by all the participating children, their teachers, friends and families.

See the three 59 second films on the Challenge 59 website