Published Date 6/26/13 4:34 PM
The finished film contains no people. Instead, it focuses on long shots of organising lists and the camp’s infrastructure, rather than the issues or the characters behind the campaigns. This might seem strange at first, but it’s important to recognise that films don’t simply show the world as it is – they always have a purpose, a point of view. Here, that point of view is about recruitment: inviting new creative and capable people to come, use, and live within the space.
The absence of people leaves the space open – for others to step in and fill it with life and creativity. The song “Thank You” by Seize The Day works on two levels: it thanks those who built the camp, and also those yet to come – the audience of the film – who will help keep the space alive and purposeful.
The long shots of “rubbish rules” and “to-do lists” highlight that this is not just a place to party; it’s a place of work, creativity, and responsibility. The library and free shop help show that this is a sustainable alternative culture, not just a temporary protest. The language throughout is conversational and inviting: “pop in for a cup of tea – there’s lots to do.”
The shot of the Anarchy caravan followed by the green garden reflects a simple idea: both “fluffy” and “spiky” activists are welcome here.
The entire film is shot in bright sunshine, full of greenery and flowers, to give a sense of beauty and attraction. Obviously, if it were filmed in the middle of winter, pouring with rain, it would feel very different. The final shot of the nuclear base is only a small part of the film, because the focus is on protest camp culture rather than the specific issue being campaigned on. Anyone who argues otherwise is missing the point. Without a healthy camp, the campaign weakens. The film has a two-step purpose: to rejuvenate the camp, and through that, renew the campaign.
You don’t need a big camera to make a good film. This was shot entirely on a Samsung Note II mobile phone in 720p. I chose this lower resolution to make file uploads faster and more reliable – full HD files are often too large to handle easily when the film was made.
About the camp
Faslane Peace Camp has been here for 30 years, campaigning against nuclear weapons.
People live here in all weathers – a community of committed campaigners. The camp is a base for action, an ecological alternative, a home for some, and an education for many.
Call to check if there’s space to stay:
01436 820901 or 07511 793227
http://faslanepeacecamp.wordpress.com
Just down the road is a huge nuclear missile base – something we clearly need to do something about.
Video: http://hamishcampbell.com
Music: http://www.seizetheday.org
