Scouring 100 years of archive footage, BAFTA-winner Paul Wright constructs an exhilarating study of the British people’s shifting - and contradictory - relationship to the land. The film goes on a sensory, visceral journey through the contrasting seasons, taking in folk carnivals and fetes, masked parades, water divining and harvesting. Set to a grand, expressive score from Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) alongside folk music from the likes of Anne Briggs, Wright’s captivating film essay captures the beauty and brutality, and the magic and madness of rural Britain. Footage shot in Cornwall includes archive film of the St Ives Feast Day celebrations, the recent focus of the performance ‘Another Hurling of the Silver Ball’ by Allard van Hoorn in St Ives in June 2019.
We're especially pleased to welcome musician and producer Adrian Utley, of Portishead, to introduce the screening and talk about the film's intoxicating score, written and produced by himself and Goldfrapp's Will Gregory. Adrian will be joined by Mark Cosgrove, Cinema Curator, Watershed, Bristol for a Q&A around the film. The introduction will be at 18.00, with the film screening starting at 18.15. Tate St Ives café open for drinks and light refreshments 17.30 to 18.00.
Compass Presents create immersive environments, enhanced screenings, and interactive encounters designed to delight and entertain audiences through playful interventions. Mixing film, visual art, digital content, music and performance, we use a multidisciplinary approach to present new narratives and new perspectives in order to create lasting memories.
With support from BFI, awarding funds from National Lottery.