Documentary to show what makes Essex extraordinary

People sit in a field under a blue sky while sifting through the land for produce.

Photo credit: Marley Karazimba

We have commissioned an artist to show what he feels makes Essex extraordinary. 

Marley Karazimba will receive funding from our Extraordinary Essex Art Commission. This saw artists apply for £15,000 to express what makes Essex special to them.

With the funding, Marley will create a documentary titled Don't Fight The Land That Feeds You. This will focus on the importance of community-supported agriculture across Essex.

Marley will capture the journey from soil to kitchen. He will show residents sourcing locally-grown ingredients from gardens, allotments and community farms.

Don't Fight The Land That Feeds You will also feature local organisations. This includes Bennison Farm and Common Ground in Colchester.

The film is scheduled for an exhibition and screenings across the county early next year.

The Art Commission is part of our Extraordinary Essex campaign. This shines a spotlight on those living, working and learning in Essex who make the county great.

Marley said: “I'm so grateful Essex County Council is keen to support my vision for Extraordinary Essex.

“The project is a culmination of ideas and my work through Essex as an artist and community organiser. I'm looking forward to getting started and capturing the essence of 'Extraordinary Essex' through my medium of film. Eventually, I will bring people together to share at screenings and events across the county."

Councillor Mark Durham, our Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “It’s more important than ever that we continue to support artists in Essex and help inspire those that live, learn and work here.

“When people ask me why I became a councillor, it is because of the extraordinary people which make our county extraordinary. I therefore very much look forward to seeing Marley’s documentary help shine a spotlight on those who make Essex special.”

Find out more on the Extraordinary Essex webpage.