The ongoing public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire has revealed much about the worst UK residential fire since World War II. But one part of the tragedy has not been told before. Until now.
A community artist was filming inside Grenfell Tower throughout its £10m refurbishment in the years before the fire, when highly combustible cladding was applied to the outside of the building.
Constantine Gras documented the struggles of the Grenfell Residents Group - a group of residents who raised issues and concerns about the work being carried out. Using footage never previously seen, shot by Grenfell Tower's 'Artist in Residence', this film forms a prequel to the disaster.
Constantine's archive has taken on a prophetic importance, casting the tragic story of Grenfell in a new light. The film paints a vivid portrait of the community. Documenting key meetings held with local politicians and the landlord, the TMO, the film reveals residents struggling to be heard, pressing for independent scrutiny of the refurbishment, as they survey the entire tower, capturing a widespread sense of unease.
What might seem like small, individual complaints gather as crucial beats in the struggle to be heard. A story that came to its dreadful conclusion in the deadly fire of 14 June 2017.
Grenfell: The Untold Story airs Wednesday 8th September at 10pm on Channel 4.