Director Paul Sng crafts a captivating portrayal of the overlooked photographer, Tish Murtha, in his latest film TISH. The documentary intertwines the artist's expressive photos with warm anecdotes from family and friends, and creative voiceover scenes, offering a glimpse into her inner thoughts and feelings.

"She was tough, and she wasn’t going to take anything lying down."

Just as compelling as her subjects is Murtha's own story. Despite being relegated to the sidelines at times, she remains revered for her strength and endurance.

Murtha's lens was a powerful tool that bore witness to the realities of growing up amidst the social and economic shifts in Britain during the 1980s. She captured the raw essence of her native Elswick in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England, delving into the implications of Thatcher's Britain and its effects on the working class.

Her initial foray into photography was a shield against the prying eyes of strangers. Later, she used her lens to document youth unemployment and the layoffs of workers facing diminishing opportunities. The world may have tried to silence Murtha by chasing her out of buildings or through deliberate sabotage, but she never gave in.

"The pictures were good, they were strong, they were powerful. They were like her."

Murtha's life mirrored her work - a narrative of ambition, academically capable with outstanding references, but given scraps. For instance, Murtha documented her brother and his friends, who worked as street sweeps. They survived on a salary of £20.55 a week and were bullied relentlessly. They then found their oppressors assuming roles of authority, joining the police force. Murtha addressed these issues, and some made their way to parliamentary debates. Despite being vilified as the "Demon Snapper", Murtha continually stood firm against austerity, even in the face of rejection from those who could have amplified her talents.

Her tenacity endures beyond her passing, finding solace in the legacy carried on by her family. Ella Murtha, Tish's daughter, guides the documentary intimately, providing insight into her mother's life and work. Accounts from those who knew Tish best spotlight the photographer's skill. Murtha possessed the heart, drive, and creative eye but slipped through the cracks, much like countless others who "never stood a chance".

Murtha's voice and lens were a beacon for social change. She campaigned for a fairer Britain, challenging a system intent on breaking down her generation. Years after her death, her family continues to celebrate the artist that was. Today, the Tish Murtha House stands tall, a housing development dedicated to the late Elswick photographer, complemented by exhibitions at London's prestigious TATE gallery and, of course, the perceptive documentary.

Tish Murtha's invincible spirit lives on, with the documentary serving as a poignant and heartfelt tribute.