THE STORY
On a spit of land between two tower blocks controlled by rival gangs is a tiny dirt track that defies the conventional image of Peckham, London, an epicentre of the 2011 riots. This is the site of the Peckham BMX club, founded by former BMX racer and DJ, CK Flash. He believed that BMX was a way off the streets and within a few short years, Peckham BMX riders were on podiums around the country and meeting the Prime Minister.
One of these is Tre Whyte, whose two brothers also race. Ranked third in the nation, CK is pushing him to win the National Championship and compete in the Olympics. Family volatility and impoverishment have caused Tre to move out of his home, forcing him to make adult decisions at a young age. Without support, it will be a tough climb to the top.
The film features a pulsating soundtrack of spoken-word and rap vignettes from musicians including UK rap artist Phreeda Sharp plus animated illustrations and archival footage of Peckham’s past. Filmed using cutting-edge 3D HD technology, including super slo-mo “phantom” cameras and 3D Go Pros mounted on bikes and riders, the documentary allows viewers to literally immerse themselves in the drama.
The soundtrack pulsates with the sounds of Peckham thanks to several local musicians who reflect the rhythm and soul of these youth caught between the two worlds of their violent streets and their BMX bikes. The up and coming female rap/hip hop artist Phreeda Sharp (recently featured on MTV UK’s Brand New Unsigned and called “London’s hottest female rapper”) has written the title track for the film and is featured in the music video segment. We dare you not to get her song stuck in your head.