A new documentary exploring mental health in farming is set to be screened at Eisteddfod Y Garreg Las next month
The 20-minute film was created by a group of Ceredigion farmers and focuses on the experiences of Richard ‘Oernant’ Jones, whose family farmed their organic dairy herd near Cardigan for generations.
The documentary, which will be shown on Sunday, August 2, tells the story of Mr Jones’ 10 years living with the turmoil of his herd testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
The documentary was produced through a series of storytelling and filmmaking workshops run by PhD researcher Bethan John and facilitator Jane Powell.
Farmers involved in the project shaped the film from concept to completion, creating storyboards, drafting interview questions, and planning the filming.
Ms John said: "The film explores difficult themes, some of which can be polarizing and have created tensions within our rural communities.
"In this way, the film acts as a provocation, and the events invite audience members to step outside of our bubbles and echo chambers, challenging us to find understanding and empathy, even if we disagree."
No external film crew or editor was involved in the process.
This approach was taken to ensure the documentary truly reflects the lived experiences of the farmers featured.
The film will be screened at Sinemaes at 12.30pm and again at the Aberystwyth University stand at 3pm.
After the screening, the group of farmers will form a panel discussion and Q&A with the audience to explore some of the themes and issues that came from the documentary and the participatory filmmaking process.
The documentary forms part of Ms John’s PhD research project, which is a collaboration between the Centre for Alternative Technology, Aberystwyth University, and Cardiff University.
Audience members at the screenings will become active participants within the research project, contributing their own experiences and knowledge that will feed into and influence the research findings.
This is the first in a series of community film screenings across Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire.
The events aim to explore the complex issues impacting food and farming systems.
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