RESIDENTS have criticised a new film designed to bring to life their Oxford estate, branding it ‘disjointed’ and ‘disappointing'.

Budding actors from the Rose Hill estate showcased their skills filming scenes from the estate’s history for the movie Deja Vu over the past few months.

Amsterdam-based artist Maria Pask was inspired to create the film with Modern Art Oxford after stumbling across copies of the now defunct community magazine Rose Hill Roundabout from the 1950s and 1960s in the Bodleian Library.

A total of 180 residents and 30 children were involved in scenes, including a fashion show, bingo and billiards and a tea dance.

They turned out on Friday night to watch the premiere at Rose Hill Community Centre.

Many felt it could have been edited differently to make it easier to understand, while others hoped it would have featured more local people instead of professional actors.

Last night, Modern Art Oxford said it was “surprised” by the comments because it had received nothing but support and positive comments from the residents who took part.

Delphreen Hastings, 63, of Desborough Crescent, said: “They worked hard and it was good but it was a bit disjointed. You needed an explanation – one minute you were in the allotment and the next minute you were in the bar.”

Pensioner Lilian Basey, of Ashurst Way, felt there should have been more clips of local people. She said: “I was disappointed because I thought it was going to be about people in the Rose Hill area, but it was more about the people who were making it.

“I’m not very happy with it.”

Patrick Lawrence, 78, of Church Way, Iffley, agreed the concept of a film about Rose Hill was a lovely idea but said the finished product was a bit over complicated. He added: “I thought it was a bit hard to understand. It looked to me like it was badly in need of editing.

“This kind of thing can bring the community together very well, but there weren’t many local people in the film.”

Sara Dewsbery, acting head of marketing at Modern Art Oxford, said every household on the estate had a flyer inviting them to take part in the film.

She said: “We are surprised by the negative feedback, having not received any directly.

“We are happy to offer additional interpretation and look forward to discussing the work with residents further.”