Renee Maria Osubu Highlights Celebration and Grief in Short Film ‘Dirt in the Diamond’

When creating the concept for the short film ‘Dirt in the Diamond,’ Renee Maria Osubu found initial inspiration in the conversations of love and self-reflection found in Jords Album. Drawing from various experiences, including those from everyday life, Osubu became intrigued by the contrasting emotions of celebration and grief. The exploration of this topic held particular interest due to Jords' music being heavily influenced by his Jamaican heritage, a culture that, like Renee's own, embraces both commemorating a life lived and acknowledging the loss of an individual. To pay tribute to the preceding generations who painstakingly preserved their culture, traditions, and communities after immigrating to the UK and facing numerous challenges, the film was set in the 1970’s. 

Renee's artistic inclination often gravitates towards capturing the beauty within the ordinary and the intimate conversations that occur in seemingly mundane situations. In ‘Dirt in the Diamond,’ a character later mentions the inevitability of death, a topic frequently avoided in discussions. Renee recognises that grief can facilitate the appreciation of cherished memories, joyous moments, and profound experiences shared with loved ones. The opportunity to explore a spectrum of emotions and sentiments related to this journey is deeply appreciated.

The creation of ‘Dirt in the Diamond’ provided Renee with a renewed appreciation for the concept of community, both in front of and behind the camera. Every member of the cast and crew, including actors, producers, department heads, assistants, and runners, wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the project, with the collective goal of bringing the story to life. 

The film had its international premiere at Tribeca Film festival and won a YDA award at Cannes 2023.

Synopsis 

Dirt in the Diamond is a short film, set in 1970’s London. It explores the duality of grief and celebration within the mourning period of Jamaican culture. The evening is introduced through the eyes of 12 year old Jerome at his first Nine Night, after the loss of his friend. Before subtly shifting the gaze to a mother and father in mourning. The film pays homage through its style and use of archival footage, to the generations before us, who have been intentional about preserving their customs, traditions and communities after immigrating to the UK and enduring the difficulties that came with it and yet making it home.

About the director 

Renee Maria Osubu is a British-Nigerian photographer and director. She is best known for her photography series, ‘Dear Philadelphia’, which she developed into an award-winning short film. The film won the Jury award for Best Short Documentary at Blackstar Film Festival 2021, had its international premiere at Sundance Film Festival and qualified for the 2022 Oscars. 

Her surroundings are prominent in her work, as she often investigates themes of community, identity, race and childhood. From showcasing fatherhood in London, to exploring community in North Philadelphia, Renee captures intimate moments of life through both photography and film. 

She has won numerous awards, including the Vimeo Staff Pick Award at Blackstar 2021, a Davis Peace Project Award, two Portrait of Britain Awards from the British Journal of Photography, and a First Place Michael Wilson Award. Her work is held permanently as part of the University of the Arts London Collection.