Filmmaker Statement

The two main characters of Smoking Dolphins are ones I frequently came across as a youngster, having been raised in a pub in the heart of a rough Salford council estate. I grew up hearing the outlandish and at times, unfathomable stories that would work their way from one punter to another. As I grew older, I realised how most of these stories had either been twisted or completely fabricated... much like the words of many politicians. In recent years the world has seen a rise in populist governments that are surrounded by controversy and corruption, constantly lying to those they seek power from, while only seeking to enrich themselves. For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by the correlations between the motivations and practices of lower working class con men and high society politicians. Being from a working-class background, I've sought to understand why people from similar standings, would ever vote for those that clearly don’t have their interests at heart. Time and time again