Last year saw superstar vocalist Mariah Carey dress down to play a Harlem social worker for her role in the internationally acclaimed film, Precious. Although Carey's social worker was variously interpreted the Hollywood star was praised for her performance.
Next year, another famous face will bring social work to the big screen, in director Jim Loach's first feature film, Oranges and Sunshine, the true story of Nottingham social worker Margaret Humphreys. It's based on Humphreys' own novel, Empty Cradles.
Humphreys - who uncovered the deportation of thousands of UK children to Australia - will be played by British actress Emily Watson (pictured), starring alongside The Matrix's Hugo Weaving and The Lord of the Rings' David Wenham.
The film's official synopsis reveals: "Almost single-handedly, against overwhelming odds and with little regard for her own well-being, Margaret reunited thousands of families, brought authorities to account and drew worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice. Children as young as four had been told that their parents were dead, and been sent to children's homes on the other side of the world. Many were subjected to appalling abuse. They were promised oranges and sunshine: they got hard labour and life in institutions."
It's already been described as, "full of depth, intelligence and grace" (Little White Lies) and, "an emotional bombshell of a film that will leave audiences shaken" (Screen International).
Oranges and Sunshine hits UK cinemas on April 1st, but Community Care will bring you reviews and views from early screenings. Click here for an interesting round up of social work on the big and small screens, put together by The Guardian.
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