Alsop alumni Jimmy Mulville returned to Alsop High School for the screening of his latest powerful new documentary “Of People and Place.” During his visit Jimmy announced he has agreed to be patron of The Alsop Foundation CIO.

Mr Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions

After the riots of August 2024, the school invited Jimmy to work with the young people of Alsop and Arnot St Mary CE School to produce a film to capture the voices of young people. As a result, Jimmy commissioned a production team to produce a powerful and poignant documentary which aims to challenge recent narratives about Walton and spotlights the community’s creativity and resilience.

The film features Alsop students working with the director, Carl Hunter, and speaking about their aspirations. Young students from Arnot St Mary CE Primary School participated in a story writing session with award winning children’s author, Frank Cottrell Boyce. Carl also interviewed writers like PJ Smith, who’s done amazing work in drug recovery and spoke to people from Our House, a grassroots group running courses for older people and young people too.

The premiere took place at Alsop High School on the evening Thursday 9th October 2025. Alsop Executive Principal, Mr James Kerfoot, welcomed Jimmy back to school for this well attended red-carpet event. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray thanked Jimmy for commissioning the documentary and thanked the young people and community members who feature in the film. The Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson and local councillors were also in attendance. The film was produced by Jaynie Miller and directed by Carl Hunter, along with pupils from local schools.

Mr James Kerfoot, Executive Principal

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray

Jimmy Mulville, Managing Director of Hat Trick Productions was born and bred in Walton. From the school stage Jimmy spoke fondly of his days at Alsop High School and his childhood memories of living in Walton. He was delighted that the “Of People and Place” film was shot entirely on location in Walton. The documentary showcases Walton through the eyes of its residents – highlighting grassroots initiatives and the transformative power of art. The ambition is to ensure the community isn’t defined by the 2024 riots, and the film is a real celebration of community spirit and offers up art and culture as an alternative to young people as a means of expression.

Jimmy Mulville writes:

“Walton was my home for the first twenty years of my life. It educated me at Alsop Comprehensive – as it was then – from 1966 to 1974 enabling me to follow my dreams. More importantly than that the people of Walton gave me a thorough education in generosity of spirit and resilience. The people I grew up with surprised you with their wisdom and cracked you up with their wit. They also took great delight in proving people wrong. In this beautiful film, Of People and Place, you will see that the people of Walton are to this day the same generous, resilient, good-humoured people who love to prove people wrong. I’m proud to be associated with it.”

Producer Jaynie Miller comments:

“At a time where there is so much division in the world and on our own doorsteps, it’s been a pleasure to work on this documentary and to be reminded about the strength of community. The importance of the creative arts in bringing people together and lifting individuals out of their darkest moments, cannot be overstated.”

Director, Carl Hunter writes:

“When footage of Walton’s Spellow Library being destroyed appeared across national news bulletins, many outside Liverpool - and even within - saw it as another grim snapshot of a “troubled” area. But, those images didn't tell the full story of a community which is creative, supportive and intelligent. I think the time is right to make films about working-class communities that act as an antidote to the anti-working-class propaganda we see in the media. At its heart, Of People and Place is a love letter to an area and a population who refuse to be defined by others’ perceptions. It’s about hope, creativity and pride - a portrait of Walton as seen from within.”

Rather than focusing on the riot itself, the film celebrates the creativity, resilience and intelligence of a community too often reduced to headlines. The film will be shown in community venues across Liverpool and will soon be available to download from www.alsopfoundation.org.uk