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A Mouthful of Petrol, dir. Jess Kohl, UK 2022, 35 min., English
Wayne Boland is a hero on the banger racing circuit in rural England. Now that his son JayDee is nearly 13, his debut race is finally in view. Wayne helps him fix up his car in the garage, teaches him steering techniques and prepares him mentally. JayDee, meanwhile, is feeling increasing pressure to make his father proud.
This cinematic coming-of-age documentary explores a deep family connection, through which a shared passion becomes the catalyst for parental lessons. How do you deal with bullies? What does it mean to persevere even if things don’t work out right away, and why does it feel so important to make your father’s dream come true? The interactions between this father and son are direct, but also gentle and empathetic – challenging preconceptions of masculinity.
After premiering at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, director Jess Kohl’s short film has screened at festivals globally, including DOC NYC and New Orleans Film Festival, and won Best Documentary Short at CamerImage. This screening will be the film’s London premiere and will include a live performance led by James Kelly (WIFE / Altar of Plagues), composer of the film’s soundtrack, alongside double bassist Maxwell Sterling.
Jess Kohl is a London born filmmaker and photographer whose work often explores questions of identity, coming-of-age and society’s margins. Through her work she seeks to amplify voices and issues globally that have historically not been heard. She is a graduate of Central Saint Martins (BA) and Goldsmiths (MA), and has directed several award winning short films, including Nirvana (2018), Grierson nominated Disciples (2021), and A Mouthful of Petrol (2022). Jess’ films have won numerous awards and screened at festivals globally. Her work has been published in British Journal of Photography, Dazed, Another Magazine, Nowness, The Face, Vogue and i-D.
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