The Land (2015) is a short documentary film about the nature of play, risk and hazard set in The Land, a Welsh "adventure” playground. At The Land children climb trees, light fires and use hammers and nails in a play-space rooted in the belief that kids are empowered when they learn to manage risks on their own.
“A must-see for anyone interested in play work, or play, period.”
“In half an hour this film will change everything you think you believe ... In scene after natural scene the truth becomes obvious: With a little bit of creativity, empathy and guidance, children can be freed to experience a much more fun, adventurous and fulfilling childhood.”
Undated photo by Nancy Rudolph
“A horror film for hover parents.”
Erin Davis, Director
Erin Davis is an artist, filmmaker, podcast producer and educator living in Vermont, USA where she teaches courses in radio documentary at Middlebury College. She also hosts the Playwork podcast. Her favorite game is catch.
Erick Stoll, Director of Photography
Erick Stoll is a founder and primary cinematographer for New Left Media, a popular online political documentary series. His short film Lifelike premiered at True/False Film Festival in 2011. His recent freelance work includes camera work on the upcoming documentary feature Remote Area Medical, and Sparkle, a short documentary by oscar-nominated filmmakers Steve Bognar and Julia Reichart, which premiered at Silverdocs.
liz Cambron, camera & sound
Liz Cambron holds a BFA in filmmaking and has been freelancing for the past five years in the documentary industry. She has made work for Public Radio, Planned Parenthood, and worked with many award winning documentary filmmakers and organizations. She is a producer and writer for internet documentary series New Left Media and her first short film, 'Park', received critical notoriety and was selected to compete in Slamdance Film Festival 2011. She also has an affinity for cats and screams in a punk band; her tumblr rocks too.
Steven Bognar & Julia Reichert, co-Producers
Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar were nominated for an Oscar for their 2009 documentary, "The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant". Their 2007 documentary, "A Lion In The House", won a Primetime Emmy and was nominated for an award at the Sundance Film Festival as well as an Independent Spirit Award." They live in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
In fact, we're all from Ohio. The birthplace of flight. The heart of it all.