We speak to Jeanefer Jean-Charles to find out more about the ‘spectacular’ mass movement film for EuroFest

Fans have been invited to take part in a huge-spectacle film to welcome the world to Liverpool in the run up to Eurovision. 

The film for EuroFest, to be shot in the city centre on May 1, will be created by internationally-famous mass movement director Jeanefer Jean-Charles, who’s designed performances for some of the nation’s most iconic events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, all four of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, and the 2016 FA Cup Final Opening Ceremony at Wembley.

Although the exact theme is under wraps for now, Jeanefer says:

“It’s a film that is to celebrate the fact Eurovison is coming to Liverpool, and that Liverpool is hosting it on behalf of Ukraine; and it’s about celebrating that moment and working together ‘United by Music’.

“We are going to produce a two-minute film, which 1,000 people will be a part of.”

Anyone wanting to get involved in this EuroFest project has until Monday, April 3 to apply.

And Jeanefer says she has been overwhelmed by the response so far: “I am used to working with large scale events and from the time I came onto the project, which was February, I knew there were lots of other events and other ways that people can be involved, so I thought let’s see.

“But I think everyone loves the idea, and it’s a chance to come and be part of a film, something to remember and show your family forever. 

“I was walking around John Lewis last weekend and told a couple of women about it, and they were so excited. It’s captured the imagination. And I think that’s because it’s about people coming together in solidarity, and wanting to be part of a positive movement for people and peace.”

More than 30 groups who have already signed up to be involved in the mass participation EuroFest project will join the 1,000 individuals for whom the search is still on.

Anyone wanting to take part doesn’t need to be a performer, or have any other experience.

Along with availability, says Jeanefer – who is working with local choreographers Lisi Perry and Grace Goulding for the EuroFest project which will be filmed byNorthern Town – the only qualifications needed are enthusiasm and community spirit.

The film will be shown on Culture Liverpool’s digital platforms as part of the Eurovision welcome, and given the scale of the project, she adds, it also has the potential to engage national press and/or Eurovision coverage.

“It’s part of the buzz,” she smiles, “it will keep the buzz and the celebration going.

“And it will be very short – but it will be spectacular!

“The idea is that it will make people smile, and we are hoping that the 1000+ people who turn up on the day to be a part of this will have a really good experience.”

Based in London, Jeanefer is a creative director and producer with more than 20 years’ experience, specialising in large-scale performances, opening ceremonies, stadium events, outdoor spectacles, carnivals, and parades.

Her work has taken her to more than 21 countries, and across the UK including Manchester, Newcastle, and Liverpool.

Working on such huge scale could seem daunting, so where does Jeanefer even begin to start?

She laughs: “I have recently been awarded the MBE and Princess Anne asked me that very question.

“I guess I try to see everything in small parts. I’m always striving for the bigger picture, for that great image with thousands of people, but I work in units, focusing on the community group, in their space where they feel safe, and only when everyone’s ready bringing people together in a mass rehearsal.

“Then there’s this big wow factor and realisation that they are part of something massive. That’s the simplest answer, thinking about jigsaw pieces. 

“It’s not easy, but I have been doing it for a long time and the most important thing is to have the right team on board.

“When everything comes to fruition and the vision is realised, it’s amazing.”

Jeanefer confesses that when an event nears, she actually wants it to be over.

“There comes a point when you are getting closer and you can’t wait for it to be over, which sounds like I’m not enjoying it, but I can’t wait to be on the other side to know that it happened, that it was a success, and I can go to bed and sleep feeling happy.”

And she says: “I feel honoured to have been asked to do this mass participation film for Liverpool, and a sense of pride that my work has been recognised.

“I love working with communities. Whatever I do, big or small, there’s a constant and that’s the people.  I love Liverpool, and I love the enthusiasm – and people can expect something spectacular.”

There’s still time to sign up and take part in this mass participation film for EuroFest – click here.