Lantern speaks to The Telegraph about Rye Lane, screen tourism and Peckham’s gentrification
Has the success of anti-rom-com Rye Lane come at the cost of neighbourhood gentrification in Peckham?
Original article by Jendella Benson and published in The Telegraph
Following the release of anti-rom-com Rye Lane, Lantern Founder and Director, Ryan Tym spoke to author and journalist Jendella Benson about the impact that screen tourism can have on areas like Peckham, from perceptions to gentrification.
“While the rose-tinted lens of Rye Lane is welcomed by those who enjoy seeing their neighbourhood depicted with the love they feel for it, the question of what happens when their home is exposed to the masses is relevant” writes Jendella. “The owner of the flat attached to Notting Hill’s iconic blue door got so sick of tourists hanging around that they ended up painting the door black in a bid to throw fans off”.
Southwark Council has released a map of filming locations for Rye Lane
“There is a challenge, certainly, in that it captures a spirit, character and beauty of Peckham that many people will see and think: ‘I want to be a part of that and live there’,” says Ryan Tym, founder and director of Lantern, a place branding agency.
“It prices the people who have created that world out. But I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily the responsibility of filmmakers or directors. It’s up to policymakers and local authorities to see this coming and manage gentrification, regardless of whether there’s a film coming out about the area or not.”
“The eclectic culture of Peckham is one that has to be felt as well as witnessed on the silver screen” suggests Benson. “It’s a special place and there are more than a few spots that I recommend you add to your south London bucket list.”
Tym also commends the way the team behind Rye Lane have been conscious in working alongside the local community during production. Allen-Miller, who has spent most of her life in Brixton, but lived in Peckham while at university, told the British Film Institute: “Production designer Anna Rhodes and I were like, ‘Everything has to be in south London. Let’s try to support all our businesses.’”
Similarly, there are ways that screen tourists inspired by the film can visit Peckham responsibly, with Tym advising: “If you go, support those businesses that in turn will help the local community. Don’t go there and go to Starbucks. If you’re going to experience the area, go to a local business, talk to locals and understand what makes the place special.”
