The film follows artist Ben Wilson, who paints tiny artworks on discarded chewing gum along London’s Millennium Bridge. When city repairs threaten to erase his decade-long trail, Ben fights to protect his public art and preserve the stories it tells
(Documentary) Editor – Sound Editor
(About the project)When the city announced plans to repair and power-wash the bridge, Ben’s life’s work faced being erased overnight
Hidden Art Trail follows artist Ben Wilson, known for his miniature paintings on spat-out chewing gum scattered across London’s Millennium Bridge, just outside the Tate Modern. For over a decade, Ben has been transforming discarded gum into tiny, colorful artworks celebrating people, their memories, and their life storiesThe film captures his passionate fight to protect his art, confronting workers and sharing his deep belief that public art belongs to everyone.
Despite the story’s tension, workers managed to preserve over 80% of Ben’s paintings, so he returns to restore the remaining pieces, determined to keep his trail alive
(Behind The Scenes)Filming in November meant battling London’s rain, wind, and cold, but it also added an atmospheric quality that reflects Ben’s art
The project began after our director, Alla, read a newspaper article about Ben’s situation and felt compelled to document his story. Within days, our small four-person crew went to the Millennium Bridge to meet Ben, the municipality workers and local authoritiesWe shot the film over five days across different locations: the bridge itself, Ben’s home and his backyard filled with personal artworks. Through interviews and observation, we captured his creative process, his philosophy and the emotional weight of potentially losing his life-work
(My Contribution)In editing, I collaborated closely with Ala, creating several cuts of the film before finalizing the structure and rhythm
I worked as the editor and sound editor on this project while also assisting on set throughout all five shooting days. I helped with lighting choices and framing, ensuring the footage would cut together seamlessly in post. I also handled logo tracking, morphing shots to smooth transitions, subtitles and the final sound design draft, shaping the film into its finished formThis project was especially meaningful to me as an artist myself. Ben’s dedication, humility and passion for creating art for the community resonated deeply. His tiny paintings (easy to miss unless you look closely) remind to slow down, pay attention and discover beauty. That’s why we called the film “The Hidden Art Trail”. It’s not just about Ben’s work, but about learning to truly see it
(Acknowledgements)Produced during the MA Filmmaking programme at Kingston University.
With thanks to Kingston University, the film crew, cast and tutors for their support throughout development, production and post-production.