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Over the past few months, I have been taking the Women Back to the Land project out into the world through a series of film screenings, talks and zine distribution events across England and Wales.

Women Back to the Land on tour

In many ways, it felt like a fitting way to bring the project towards its conclusion. Together with my family, I embarked on a two-week mini-tour through the South West and Wales during the extraordinary heat of August. As we travelled between venues, the landscapes often felt more reminiscent of Southern Europe than the UK. From ominous orange skies lit by out-of-control wildfires blazing across the Welsh hills, our journey ended with an equally eerie return to Brighton on the eve of the eclipse.

Amid these unprecedented climate conditions, two events stand out as particular highlights. The first was a screening and discussion at the 10th Annual Landworking Women and Diverse Genders Skillshare in Devon. The second was the Women Back to the Land Community Gathering in Brecon, which brought together women growers, farmers, researchers, activists and supporters for an evening of conversation, reflection and connection.

Response to the film and zine

The response to these events has been genuinely heartening. Attendees engaged deeply with both the film, The Land That Holds Us, and the accompanying zine, Tender Ground. As a researcher, there is always some uncertainty about how work will be received once it leaves the university and enters the public realm. The warmth and enthusiasm shown by audiences has therefore been a wonderful surprise.

Another unexpected piece of good news came recently, when The Land That Holds Us was selected for two film festivals: the Female Filmmakers Festival in Berlin, where it will be screened as part of the Green Short Film programme, and the Rural Action Film Festival in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. These opportunities will allow the film to reach new audiences and continue the conversations that have emerged throughout the project.

Sussex event

And finally, the sister event to the Brecon gathering is taking place this week in Sussex. With tickets having sold out rapidly, it promises to be another lively and inspiring evening, filled with opportunities for creativity, networking and joyful connection. Watch this space for photos from the event and a glimpse of the artistic output in the next post.

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