One descended into a life of crime while the other became a successful executive. Now London brothers who lost touch as teenagers have made a film about how their lives diverged — and how they were reunited.
Umut Gunduz and Stevie Goldhill’s relationship broke down after Stevie was jailed at 16. He has spent most of his adult life in and out of prison.
Umut wrote to him in jail and they renewed contact. It inspired the film Stevie G, being unveiled next month at the Open City Docs Fest in London.
Umut said: “It’s been a huge journey trusting, confronting and learning about each other.”
The half-brothers grew up in Kentish Town and Bromley.
Umut, now 34, excelled at school but Stevie, three years younger, struggled — partly due to undiagnosed dyslexia.
At 18, Umut became a training manager. He also studied film at London College of Communication. “I was no angel but rebellion didn’t fit, whereas for Stevie it did,” he said.
“When he was caught stealing a motorbike at 16 he was sent to Feltham [Young Offender Institution]. All that did was give an education in crime.
"Last year mum said Stevie was in jail again. I thought how come I’m where I am, he’s where he is? I wrote a letter and got one back. He said he wanted to change his life.”
Stevie is now in St Mary Cray and setting up a maintenance business. “I’ve got to know him properly,” said Umut, who lives in Hackney. “I admire him, I have my little brother back.”
They will be at Open City at University College London at 2pm on June 22. Visit opencitydocsfest.com
