Dedicated filmmaker Brett Chapman has gone from sleeping on the floor of Leeds train station to sharing his movies with the world.
Sharing a photograph of Leeds Train Station on social media, the director shared his four-year transformation after visiting the city for his own movie premier.
The talented creative was cast as Director of Photography in My Old Man, a touching and heartfelt production that has been produced as a part theatre, part film screening.
My Old Man premiered in Leeds over the weekend, providing the Director with a 'full circle' moment.
My Old Man is Brett's latest movie, where he worked as Director of Photography. / Image: Imagine If Theatre
Brett had visited Leeds four years ago to attend a bootcamp event for aspiring filmmakers and spent the night sleeping at the train station after missing the last train.
Instead of spending money on a hotel for the evening, the aspiring filmmaker decided the financial sacrifice wasn't worth a night in the warmth.
Ever sticking in Brett's mind as an important moment in his career: Leeds train station became a nostalgic moment of reflection for the Director of Photography, visiting the city for his movie premier.
The indie filmmaker shared:
"A few years ago I slept in Leeds Train station after attending an amazing @screenyorkshire boot camp, excited about a career in film.
Tonight I’m back for the premier of My Old Man, a film I was Director of Photography on, screening at @primestudios".
My Old Man will be shown at screens across the UK, including multiple showings across Yorkshire.
The part theatre, part film production will be shown in York at the Theatre Royal this Thursday 18 November before travelling to Bradford, Sheffield and Farsley.
For more information on the production, visit the Imagine If Theatre website.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
16th November 2021 
