RED SCARLETT MEDIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH MARKET FILMS & SEA TURTLE POST PRESENT

"WITH THE BANNED"

- A DOCUMENTARY EXPLORING THE LIFE AND ART OF PIERRE ANSTIS

Directed by Helen O'Neill 




Filmed throughout 2009, WITH THE BANNED is an innovative and inspiring documentary film based 
on the artwork and experiences of Pierre Anstis, a British artist, who paints portraits of his 
modern day icons using the style and technique of traditional religious icon painters. Over the 
course of his career, Anstis has painted DJ Judge Jules, east end gangster Dave Courtney, Diana 
Princess of Wales and most recently musician and rock icon Pete Doherty live on stage, amongst 
many others.


From the illegal raves of the late 90's to the Church of England, to the British exoticism of 
celebrity gangland, to politics and rock 'n' roll this documentary takes the form of three 
sections, each uncovering various aspects of Anstis’ work and the individuals he paints. Each 
section has a unique and different style in terms of lighting, frame composition, music and 
editing in order to further develop the issues discussed within the documentary.










Section One covers his time painting backdrops for illegal raves in the 90’s, the work he was 
doing for the Church of England at the same time and the Icons of DJs he painted whilst working 
at Turnmills nightclub.


Section Two centres around his painting of Kray-man turned celebrity gangster Dave Courtney, the 
time they spent together and the resultant artwork and repercussions.


Section Three begins with his painting of Diana Princess of Wales, his desire for social and 
political awareness, and culminates in footage of him painting his latest muse, rock icon Pete 
Doherty, live on stage.









 


The concept, style and narrative structure of WITH THE BANNED was developed by visual artist and 
lighting designer Helen O’Neill.


        "WITH THE BANNED is an unconventional documentary exploring an unconventional
         man. I devised and directed this film because I’ve known Pierre Anstis for some
         years and although his life and work may seem chaotic there is an underlying philosophy 
         and methodology and integrity which becomes apparent when looking at his career
         as a whole. With this film I felt I could turn his crazy and obscure way of working 
         into something comprehendable."