IN PRODUCTION

Between 2006 and 2012 I filmed over 70  folkloric gatherings across the UK and built a compelling video archive featuring customs, traditions and folklore. In 2024 / 25 I returned to the subject matter,  diving into six of Britain's most extraordinary customs. The result was  ‘Gatherings’,  a 6 x 30 minute TV documentary series.

Bolstered by the reception to the series, I decided to adopt the same approach and embark in one year long study of customs across Northumberland - which is where I'm from. The concept is 'once around the sun via the north of England' and the resultant work will be 'Gatherings: Northumberland', a feature length documentary to be released in March 2027.

Gatherings is a series of documentary films bound by subject and approach. These films are observational and experiential. They are certainly well researched and accurate but not overly academic. The stories are told by the protagonists themselves, with no on-screen presenter and no voice over. The subject matter demands an authentic approach, and so I'm trying to reduce the barriers for the audience where possible. 

Traditionally in TV and media, folklore is often treated as ‘offbeat' and given a relatively short window, but our annual customs warrant much closer examination, and are vehicles to explore fundamental themes. Many are deeply rooted in our past and refuse to die, and therefore say something about what we value over time – which in turn reveals something about ourselves.

My goal is to do justice to the integrity of these events, so when 'in the field' I am governed by ‘artistic approach and accurate representation'. Back in the edit room, I am looking to tap into the natural sense of wonder audiences have around the subject. I would like the viewer to witness the spectacle, feel the atmosphere, and derive a deeper understanding of why these practices are important to those who participate.

Over the last few years I’ve noticed a growing interest around this subject matter among younger generations. Perhaps they are searching for alternatives to digital experiences, looking for something they regard as ‘real’ given an overwhelmingly digital culture - now further clouded by AI-generated content. Clearly very few of these gatherings feature any real use of technology, and more to the point provide for unmediated 'first-hand' experiences. 

Often, folkloric customs stand in contrast to technological ‘progress’ and actively resist change, and to many that is their appeal. However 'tradition' is not always the primary driver for people coming together in these ways. Many customs actively encourage a deeper relationship with nature, and given the broken bond between nature and ourselves it’s unsurprising that these events - many of which suggest reconnection - are once again on the radar.

There are also broader questions about the UK and its place in the world, and although this is not a series of films specifically about identity, folklore does raise debate around collective values.

These are all contemporary and urgent themes, and the views of our younger generation will be represented in the films. After all it is they who will decide whether or not to carry on these customs - or indeed be inspired to invent new ones.

Among older generations too there appears to be renewed interest in this subject matter. There is much commentary about the 'folklore revival' and certainly on the ground,  numbers of attendees are swelling. I think the power of these customs today are that they are inter-generational, and often link people via a collective sense-of-place. To that end surely, they are to be celebrated.

Gatherings is really about capturing all this in an authentic way on film, so that audiences have a clear window into these often intensely local events, while being invited to ponder universal themes.

- Dave Brewis, Director.