Uncovering hidden talents
One local person, Clive Dale turned out to be a talented scriptwriter: “He wouldn't admit it, “ says Vey Ross from the Rural Media Company, and the film’s project coordinator, “but he did some lovely writing - reminiscences about what it was like to be involved with the project, and he also acted in the film. He was a quiet, classic local farmer, but underneath that he had a lot to share, a lot of talent and that really came through in the project.”
Greater understanding Perhaps one of the most subtle effects of the project was that it helped both parts of the community to have greater understanding of each other. “The workshops forced people to talk about their experiences at the time,” says Melanie, “It made the incoming community realise how Foot and Mouth had deeply affected the farming community, and made the farming community realise: ‘These people understand that we are upset’. There's much greater understanding between the incomers and the locals.” And the film had several important messages. “We set the film in the future, yet it portrays life more accurately now almost 12 months after filming finished”, says Melanie. “Many farmers haven't restocked; a lot of people have gone into heritage, tourism and leisure instead.” Changing way of life So what are the after effects of making the film? “It had a cathartic effect,” concludes Melanie. People were given a natural outlet for their feelings through activities like scriptwriting and producing storyboards. Shroves proved to be a defining moment for the two groups within the area, gathering them together as a single community. “It gave us the chance to speak with people who we might otherwise never have met. The workshops gave people the time to share their experiences, and for others to gain a better understanding of the isolating effects of the crisis, plus insights into rural life in Herefordshire.” What’s certain is that Shroves was made by this community to say something about a changing way of life in rural England. HAVE YOUR SAY!What do you think of the film? You decide. Shroves will have its online premiere 22 April 2003 here on the LHI site.
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