Project Detail

The Earth Beneath Margarets' Feet

A Romani grandmother showing a photo of her younger self to her granddaughter while sitting at a table in a dimly lit room, with horse ornaments in the background.

Synopsis

This personal documentary invites viewers into the life of 76-year-old Romani grandmother Margaret Smith, a former nomadic potato picker who travelled each summer to a small coastal village in south Wales.
Filmmaker Lisa Smith, Margaret’s granddaughter, delves into the Romani collective cultural memory, uncovering the deeper significance of the potato harvest and its connection to an undocumented network of stopping places for her family.

Details

Year
2025
Type of project
Shorts
Running time
11 min
Format
Digital video, 4K, 24fps
Director
Lisa Smith 1st Feature
Producer
Lisa Smith, Jason Smith
Executive Producer
Jude Lister, Ruth Woodward
Editor
Sophie Pollock
Screenwriter
Lisa Smith
Director of Photography
Luke Collins
Sound
Sam Wiltshire
Composer
Gareth Swindail - Parry
Principal cast
With contributions from: Margaret Smith

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Supported by BFI NETWORK, Ffilm Cymru Wales, BBC Cymru Wales

Patrin Films Ltd

Lisa Smith
Dragons Orchard
Hereford Road
Worcestershire
WR13 5EA

Page updates

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