Film / apples
The Cube hosts Bristol premiere of Herefordshire community documentary about apples
The wassailing season may be behind us for another year, but apple fans need not lose heart: the beloved fruit is placed front and centre of a documentary soon to have its Bristol premiere at The Cube.
From Moving House Films, Welcome to the Orchard of England centres on the historic market town of Leominster, Herefordshire, in the very heart of English apple country.
It’s a place where, the filmmakers say, local people have been “growing, picking, eating, stealing, throwing, pressing, cooking, and honouring apples for many generations”.
Their award-winning documentary was part-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with Leominster Town Council and Leominster Cultural Consortium.
Still from Welcome to the Orchard of England – photo: Moving House Films
It has been shown to film festival audiences internationally, from Greek Islands to Korean mountain villages, and added to the syllabus of two Herefordshire schools.
Featuring “a wide-ranging and eccentric cast of local people”, including “farmers, Travellers, former apple-pickers, clergymen, wassailers, cider makers, fruit sellers”, the film examines the enduring association between the population of Herefordshire and its apples.
Photo: Moving House Films
“Part portrait of a fading way of life, part celebration of how a living culture continues to manifest itself, the film raises deep questions about human nature.
“Expect games, pies, dancing, petty crime, and varieties of apple beyond your most delirious dreams. Prepare to honour the apple.”
Welcome to the Orchard of England – Bristol Premiere is at The Cube on February 24 at 7.30pm. There are no age restrictions, although under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available via www.headfirstbristol.co.uk.
All photos: Moving House Films
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