He may look lost for words, but don't be fooled (Photo: Sam Hawkins)

Sam Hawkins is one of the founders of the London Word Festival, now in its fourth year. The festival celebrates language and words, using cross-performance methods, in venues across east London.

What inspired you to start the London Word Festival?

It all came about from the idea that we wanted to go to performances that included bits of everything we loved – music, comedy and art. We just thought, why can’t you have them all in one? Along with Tom (Chivers) and Marie (McPartlin) we all had different backgrounds, and we used those to help start the festival.

It’s not just a literary festival: why is it called the London ‘Word’ Festival?

We spent ages looking for a name that seemed right. In the end it just seemed to encapsulate what we do. And plus, it gives it that well-established sound!

What’s your favourite book/poem about London?

I can safely say that nothing quite captures the romantic adventure that is London better than the contents of the fourteen issues of Smoke Magazine I am proud to own (I never managed to get a copy of issue 1).

Describe your perfect day in the borough

You could do a lot worse than a day walking the canals. A long stroll along the Hertford Union and up the River Lea is a brilliantly peaceful afternoon that takes you through Hackney’s best parks and green bits. I believe the best days start out by doing something you never have done before. Recent impulsive adventures that have started memorable days include trying on a selection of jaunty Tudor hats in Sutton House; climbing St Augustine’s Tower; and a local residents tour of the Olympic park, seeing close up what’s going on is extraordinary.

If you could change one thing about Hackney, what would it be?

It would be fun if everyone spoke with a Scottish accent.

And finally, how would you describe Hackney in five words?

Contains only one tube station.

Simon, middle, with the rest of gothic rock band Lord Auch (Photo: Alex Shepherd)

Simon McCabe, of Stoke Newington, plays in the band Lord Auch, who release their debut album later this year.

What’s happening with the band at the moment? 

We’re putting the finishing touches to our debut album ‘Goat Song Rave’ and we’re playing in Brixton tomorrow with Andrew Weatherall, who has taken us under his wing. He really likes us and we’re going to play a few more gigs with him.

Who are your main influences?

 The album title is from a mythical Greek story about the cult of Dionysus. They used to sacrifice goats then have orgies. The word ‘tragedy’ also comes from the ancient Greek word tragodia, which translates as ‘goat song’. We included the word ‘rave’ to claim back its original meaning of madness.

 Are you at all influenced by Hackney?

 You have to look quite hard for influences in Stoke Newington. I love it round there but when I lived in Shoreditch it was much easier to find influences because it’s more pressured. 

What’s your favourite book/film/song about London?

 The Old Main Drag by The Pogues is great. It’s about a boy who comes to London with no money in his pocket, and describes child prostitution. I can really relate to the part about coming here with nothing.  

Describe your perfect day in the borough.

It would have to start in London Fields Lido. I love that place. I don’t care what I do for the rest of the day as long as I end up in the Stag’s Head in Hoxton.

If you could change one thing about Hackney, what would it be?

 The water. It’s so much better up North.

Describe Hackney in five words.

Bus penis seeks organic limbs.

Jules Mascharenhas in the limelight - Photo: Trevor Good for Berlinale

Indigo, a short film by Stoke Newington based production company Quince Films, has won a special mention award at the Berlin Film Festival. We spoke to the producer, Jules Mascharenhas. 

Q. Can you tell me a bit more about the film? 

A. It’s a magical-realism piece – about a boy who has healing powers and the drama is whether he should use them to help others or not. The message we’re really putting forward is if you have got some amazing ability, that’s all well and good but the world’s quite a dark place. You have to be careful with your powers. 

Q. You shot some of it in Hackney? Where and why? 

A. The most gorgeous scenes are in Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes. It’s just so beautiful there – long reeds, stunning skies, leaves in rivers. 

Q. How did it feel to get the special mention at the Berlinale? 

A. We’re seriously stoked. We knew we’d made a good film, but there was really strong competition. There were many over 48 films in the category, and it was just us and one other that received a mention. Now we’re back in Hackney we’re just so excited, and looking to work with the Council and local companies on future projects. 

Q. What’s your advice to young film-makers? 

A. Just do it and stick at it. Don’t give up – you can’t run away from who you are. And it’s so important for young film-makers to make contacts and keep them up. And to remember – you may be an artist but you have got to find something that people want to watch. You have to find that balance. 

Q. Favourite London film? 

A. Young Soul Rebels (Isaac Julien, 1991) is a fantastic film. It perfectly captures the spirit of London at a specific moment – in this case the Queen’s silver jubilee in the 1970s. And it’s shot in Clissold Park in Hackney. 

Q. Describe your perfect day in the borough. 

It would definitely involve Turkish food, pubs in Stoke Newington – one of few places you can still talk to strangers and just have inane conversations – and then some live jazz in the evening, perhaps at Pangea Project in Stamford Hill or the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston. 

Q. If you could change one thing about Hackney, what would it be? 

A. I’d probably stop the city encroachment. It’s changing the place a lot and driving property prices up. 

Q. And finally, how would you describe Hackney in five words? 

A. Real. Heartwarming. Happening. Diverse. Vital.