In the summer of 2022, an extraordinary transformation took place along the disused slipway next to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. What was once a neglected space became a thriving public garden, thanks to the vision and hard work of Seth El-Shaddai. Known as Bloomtide, the garden quickly became a beloved hub for the local community, attracting visitors from near and far.
Louis Catliff, a resident of Hammersmith Road, was so captivated by Bloomtide that he decided to create a documentary about Mr. El-Shaddai’s remarkable garden. After visiting the garden at its peak in June 2023, Catliff was struck by the vibrant display of plants and wildlife that had taken over the once barren area. From violets in a toilet to tomato plants in bathtubs and towering sunflowers, Bloomtide was a testament to El-Shaddai’s creativity and dedication.
Upon meeting Seth El-Shaddai, Catliff knew that he had to tell his story through film. The documentary was set to capture El-Shaddai’s gardening process and the impact of Bloomtide on the local community. However, their plans were derailed when the council ordered El-Shaddai to remove the plants from the slipway in order to access the bridge. Despite this setback, El-Shaddai remained determined to find a compromise and keep Bloomtide alive.
As the documentary chronicled El-Shaddai’s struggles with the council, another obstacle emerged. Due to immigration issues, El-Shaddai was taken into custody and ultimately deported to Barbados. With El-Shaddai gone, Bloomtide fell into disrepair and was eventually dismantled by the council. Catliff’s documentary now serves as a tribute to El-Shaddai’s resilience and the community he fostered through Bloomtide.
Reviving a Legacy
Louis Catliff’s documentary, “Bloomtide,” aims to shed light on Seth El-Shaddai’s story and the impact of his public garden. By showcasing the beauty and spirit of Bloomtide, Catliff hopes to inspire others to take action in their own communities and make a positive difference. El-Shaddai’s story is one of defiance and perseverance, a testament to the power of imagination and hard work in transforming forgotten spaces into vibrant hubs of life.
A Captivating Presence
Seth El-Shaddai’s charisma, wit, and passion shine through in Catliff’s documentary, making him a captivating onscreen presence. El-Shaddai’s unwavering dedication to Bloomtide and his fight against the odds resonate with viewers, highlighting the importance of standing up for one’s dreams and beliefs. Through El-Shaddai’s story, Catliff showcases the transformative power of community and the possibilities that can emerge from even the most unlikely of places.
A Beacon of Inspiration
The success of “Bloomtide” has been a testament to the enduring legacy of Seth El-Shaddai and his public garden. Riverside Studios has recognized the impact of the film by including it in their September program, where it has enjoyed two sell-out screenings. The final screening of “Bloomtide” on Sunday, September 29, promises to be a fitting tribute to El-Shaddai’s vision and the community he built through Bloomtide. As viewers gather to witness the story unfold, they are reminded of the power of kindness, imagination, and collective action in shaping a better world.
In conclusion, Seth El-Shaddai’s journey with Bloomtide serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. Through Louis Catliff’s documentary, El-Shaddai’s story lives on, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and create positive change in their own neighborhoods. As we reflect on the legacy of Bloomtide, we are reminded that even in the face of adversity, hope, creativity, and passion can bloom.