Down on the Farm Newsletter Number One

Over the next year we will be bringing you updates from our Down on the Farm film makers who will be 'out in the field' in north Devon creating a very special collection of short documentary films.

THE FILM MAKERS

Congratulations to our film makers!
Florence Browne from Cornwall
Holly Black & Joanne Barker from Bristol
James Cox from Devon
Linda Mason from Hampshire
Michael Balsdon from Devon
Joanna Ryan from Devon (edit - Jo joined the fold in July 2019)
The commissionees were selected by an independent panel of professionals, from the film/tv, heritage and environment industries, out of a field of over 40 applicants aged between 18 and 72

THE FILMS

James - As political turmoil surrounding the Brexit result takes hold with cheaper, lower quality products set to be imported from abroad, affecting the future of British agriculture; farmer Wayne Copp is preparing to face Brexit and ready his children as they prepare to become the 5th generation to work his farm.

​Linda - Rose Manning was born in 1945 and has been in farming all her life. Rose is the eldest daughter of 3 girls and she took the role of future farmer in the absence of her parents having a son. Lifelong Farmer will be told through memories of Rose, through informal conversations whilst she is working with the animals and in the kitchen.

Florence - The film will focus on the Eveleigh family's recently begun 'meat box' scheme, an enterprise which sees them take their own livestock from their farm on Exmoor to the local abattoir in Combe Martin and produce high-quality meat boxes which they can then sell. The focuses on the importance the family place on a small, local abattoir, as this is a crucial factor in the animals' welfare but is often overlooked by the general public.
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Holly & Jo - All Down Farm’s produce is eaten within a 20 mile radius of the farm. By engaging with their wider community, market gardeners Olivia and Henry believe not only does this help to strengthen the resilience of the farm itself but also helps rebuild local food networks, links and relationships - links that were once at the core of rural farming communities.

Michael - The lambing season on Michael's family's farm. Focusing on Michael's Mother, Sister Mel and her 3 year old daughter, this inter-generational perspective exemplifies the importance of women in the continuation of farming life.

(edit July 2019) Jo - The film is about grazing sheep on Northam Burrows Country Park. It will focus on farmer Ronald Griffey who has grazed sheep there for over 40 years and the rewards and challenges this gives him. Northam Burrows is an unusual landscape rich in plants and wildlife. As common land, it has a long history of grazing rights. Ronald and his family have a strong connection with the burrows and grazing sheep there. Ronald’s father had grazing rights on the burrows, and Ronald’s son now helps him.

THANKS

TO OUR FUNDERS
​North Devon's Biosphere Reserve
​North Devon Coast AONB
Fullabrook CIC
Clinton Devon Estates
The Golsoncott Foundation
Mole Valley Farmers
Devon County Councillor
North Devon Councillors
West Devon Borough Councillor
The Norman Family Charitable Trust

THANKS

TO OUR SUPPORTERS
​The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
​North Devon Coast AONB
Mole Valley Farmers
Beaford Arts
Torridge District Council
The National Trust
Devon and Cornwall Film
Maniac Films
The North Devon Show
The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington

Film Maker Linda Mason Down on the Farm

"Rose has been farming all her life and now even in her mid seventies she is still caring for the young cattle and supporting on the farm.  I will tell Rose’s story through her daily routines on the farm and in the kitchen baking, as she prepares food and reminisces about her life. Lifelong Farmer will weave together archive material, intimate and personal recollections of being a woman in farming over many decades." 
Linda Mason

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​"I'm excited to be part of this project, which will shine a light on Exmoor farming at an important and challenging time. I hope the film I make with my chosen farm will boost awareness of the need for small, local abattoirs, and how crucial they are for the welfare of the animals" 
Florence Browne

Our applicants found us via: 
Local press: North Devon Gazette & North Devon Journal
Newsletters: Arts Council & Visual Arts South West
Social media: Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn
Plymouth College of Art
Film makers convention
Email, Word of mouth & Internet searchNorth Devon Coast AONB