BE-LONGING

A Film by Mike McKenzie

It’s much more than just a film…

Find out more about the story behind Be-longing

The Film

Be-Longing is the story of Khoji, a 9-year ‘looked after’ boy living within a foster family.

Khoji has experienced the trauma of living with violent and chaotic birth parents, but is torn between accepting the trust, kindness, and security of his foster family and remaining ‘loyal’ to his birth parents, who he still loves dearly.

Self-destruction, despair, anger, trust, betrayal, hope, and salvation are all themes within this film. Khoji’s struggle to accept that he is worthy of love, and security is not uncommon for many of today’s youth placed in care or living within broken homes.

Be-Longing follows Khoji’s progress as he enters ‘care’ and embarks on a journey towards regaining belief in himself and adults.

Be-Longing is produced by DrumCamFilms and directed by filmmaker Mike McKenzie. Mike and his wife Carol have been fostering children for over 13 years. Be-Longing has been nominated and won several awards at a number of prestigious international and UK wide film festivals.

UPCOMING SCREENING EVENTS

Fostering: Young people in care, challenges of domestic abuse they may face

25 March 2025, 7:00 pm

Fostering: Delving into the experience of young people in care who may face challenges of domestic abuse

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Fostering: Screening of the film “Be-Longing” with Special Guest

30 April 2025, 7:00 pm

Fostering: Screening of the film "Be-Longing" with Director Q&A and this month's Special Guest ( to be announced)

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Film Trailer

Cast

Casey McKenzie

Khoji (Foster Child)

Casey, nephew of Mike McKenzie, took on the lead role of Khoji without a second thought, playing the role with unique emotional intelligence for one so young.

Casey has picked up a number of awards for his portrayal of Khoji, including Best Child Actor – Los Angeles Independent Short Award and Los Angeles Indie Short Fest – nomination for Best Child Actor

Vanessa White Smith

Mrs Miller (Foster Carer)

Vanessa, professional actor for over 30 years studied drama at the Weekend Arts College, City & Islington College and Brunel University. Vanessa is also a vocalist with rock, soul and tribute bands.

Karl Collins

Mr Miller (Foster Carer)

Karl is a professional actor born in Nottingham, England in 1971. Karl is best known for his film credits including Attack the Block (2011), Twenty Four in a film Seven (1997) and Doctor Who (2005).

Kate Hayes

Social Worker

Kate is an Irish born singer, collaborator, coach, actor, educator, composer, sound designer and lyricist. This has honed my ability to engage a wide range of skills to multi-disciplinary projects and identify the creative opportunities available.

Sam Parks

Pastor

Sam Parks is a British actor best known for his role as Fred Dale in the police procedural television series Silent Witness, from 1996-1998.

Les Misérables (2012), Silent Witness (1996) and Ammonite (2020).

Robin Brandt

Kohji School Friend

Robin is in his first year of taking an International Baccalaureate in Copenhagen, Denmark, he still enjoys acting though spends most of his spare time playing the trumpet, he performs as part of both show- and big bands in an around Copenhagen.

Niah McKenzie

Tisha (Miller’s daughter)

Niah was a pleasure to work with on set, at present training to be a dancer.

Siam Hurlock Noel

Teacher

Siam Hurlock is a British born actress, and singer-songwriter. She has experience in TV, theatre, short films and Commercials.

Kyle Purcell

Nathaniel (Khoji’s friend)

Helen Stylianou

Neighbour

Joel Clarke

Boys in the park after school (Twins)

Benedict Clarke

Boys in the park after school (Twins)

Terry Barker

Postman

Crew

Mike McKenzie

Director | Editor /Fostering Researcher/

Danielle Oke

Written by

Marilyn Napaul

Producer

DrumCamFilms

Producer

Steven McKenzie

Production Manager

Lee Daley

Director of Photography

Zoe Kaperski

Art Director

John Joe O’Driscoll

First Assistant Director

Brando Mosca

Sound

Emily Jane Williams

Hair & Make-Up

Music

Main music composed by Holger Skepeneit

Rise Up, Written By Cuttie Williams & music composed by Mark Wynter

Tomorrow’s Child, Written by Kevin Leo & Imaani

Horns arranged and performed by Dave Mian and Ricky Mian

Vocals performed by Imaani

Fire, Written By Whalls

I Love Your Love, Written By Sheldon Hamilton-McKenzie

Special Thanks To

Carol Hamilton
Michele Lonergan
Mother Christine
Esther Portela Villar
Ruby Sara Juarez Portela
Paul Kaffel
Wade Bayliss
Sue Seven
James Fornara
Wun Yen Chan
Den A Collen
Juan Laya
Toma Ziegler
Anton Sandarov
Stephen Venables
Erisa Miyama
Trine
Janice Brown McKenzie
Sonia Chambers
Eva Brandt
Isaac Hamilton McKenzie