AN award-winning director has launched a film project to connect people amid the international wave of Black Lives Matter protests.

Hay-on-Wye based Tamara Gordon has made a series of three short films and is now asking members of the public to record their own versions and share the results on social media.

The 51-year-old, who has previously worked with the BBC, Channel 4 and United Nations, said: "It's important for people to connect beyond their differences at this moment in time.

"This is a simple idea but it provokes strong and emotional responses."

Tamara filmed in Hereford at the recent Black Lives Matter protest, recording people sat facing each other as they stared into each other's eyes for a period of four minutes.

READ MORE: Hereford's High Town falls silent at Black Lives Matter protest

Two more films were made in Hay-on-Wye and Tamara wants members of the public to do the same.

"The person who sits opposite you can be a neighbour, family member or total stranger," she said.

Hereford Times:

"If possible, ask a friend to film and share your experience, telling us where you are and how you felt. We've had both men and women reduced to tears.

"Some say they felt like they were really getting to know the person. Others are nervous about what people see in them."

RELATED NEWS:

Herefordshire school says its link with slavery is 'tenuous'

Slave trader's town centre plaque stripped from wall

Organisers pleased with support at Ledbury's Black Lives Matter protest

The project is based on social research from 1997 by psychologist Arthur Aron who found that four minutes of uninterrupted eye contact brings people closer together.

Tamara added: "The experiment has been replicated by various organisations and artists. My project aims to bring people together, creating a positive experience out of issues related to race."

Around 200 people came together recently in Hay-on-Wye under the banner of Black Lives Matter to honour George Floyd, from Minneapolis, USA.

READ MORE: Black Lives Matter protest in Hay-on-Wye

Mr Floyd died on May 25 while being pinned to the ground by police officers during an arrest.

Derek Chauvin – who was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck – has been charged with second degree murder.

Three more officers are accused of aiding and abetting Mr Floyd's death.

Tamara said: "I was amazed to see a crowd of predominantly white people in a rural area come together to call out racism.

"We knelt for 8 minutes 46 seconds and then stood peacefully together and I felt optimistic for the future.

"I hope that my project can continue to break down barriers between people."

Follow the project and share your own films on Instagram at #connectblm