At Least We’ve Got This Place is an online film that documents the experience of plotholders at West Road Allotments in South Ockendon. The allotment is a wonderful melting pot of cultures and languages and is a symbol of the diversity of Thurrock working and planting together. People give plants to each other, water each others’ plots and give advice to newbies! Plotholders have been there now for 2 years.
Many people have said how much going to the allotment has been beneficial throughout this time of lockdown and they wanted to look into how planting for the future can help us have something to look forward and hold on to. Plotholders also say how much seeing others (from well beyond the 2m distance…the plots are big!) has helped them feel less isolated – a friendly wave and a smile can make someone’s day at the moment.
Starting with interviews done over the phone, via email or in person at the site (observing all social distancing guidelines) a story was built of how this community was feeling at this time. The film features verbatim text and some composed music. It aims to create a piece which represents how a community of people from all walks of life have worked through lockdown, what they’ve struggled with and found helpful, and perhaps what they’ll even take away from it.
At Least We’ve Got This Place is produced by Rebecca Brewer and Oli Hembrough.
FUNDED BY: Stronger Together Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund, Thurrock CVS | Thurrock Council
Thurrock Festival 