FILM NIGHT : THE NETTLE DRESS

THE NETTLE DRESS: Watch the trailer and short interview with the director HERE.

A FEATURE DOCUMENTARY BY DYLAN HOWITT: TEXTILE ARTIST ALLAN BROWN SPENDS SEVEN YEARS MAKING A DRESS BY HAND JUST FROM THE FIBRE OF LOCALLY FORAGED STINGING NETTLES. 

68 MINUTES | UK | 2023

"There is an almost fairytale-like quality to the subject of this lovely, poignant documentary... textile artist Allan Brown speaks eloquently of the rich symbolism of taking something that is a source of pain, stripping it of its sting and, over the years, gradually reshaping and repurposing it into a thing of beauty." Wendy Ide, The Guardian.

Beautifully filmed by award-winning documentary maker Dylan Howitt, ‘The Nettle Dress’ follows Allan along the whole seven-year journey. This is 'hedgerow couture', the greenest of slow fashion. It's also his medicine, the way he survives the death of his wife, that left him and his four children bereft.

The challenge of making near zero carbon clothing sourced within a few miles of his home means relearning ancient crafts. From early experiments making nettle thread, through foraging, processing, spinning, weaving and cutting the cloth. Finally, a vision of the dress back in the woods where the nettles were picked, worn by one of his daughters.

'Grasping the Nettle' is at the heart of the film. Making a dress this way is a mad act of will and artistry but also devotional, with every nettle thread representing hours of mindful craft. Over seven years Allan is transformed by the process just as the nettles are. It's a kind of alchemy: transforming nettles into cloth, grief into beauty, protection and renewal. A labour of love, in the truest sense of the phrase, ‘The Nettle Dress’ is a modern-day fairytale and hymn to the healing power of nature and slow craft.

"CRAFT TRANSFORMED BY IMAGINATION INTO ART, LIKE AN ALCHEMICAL ALLEGORY."

PATRICK HARPUR, AUTHOR

"THIS IS AN EXQUISITE FILM. EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL AND HELPFUL FOR ANYONE SUFFERING LOSS OR GRIEF. AN INSPIRATION."  SIR MARK RYLANCE

"IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHAT THE EARTH WOULD HAVE FASHION DO, THIS IS YOUR ANSWER."

PROFESSOR KATE FLETCHER, SUSTAINABLE FASHION ACTIVIST

Watch films in a sociable café-style atmosphere in the main Theatre Hall.  

Doors open from 7pm for 7.30pm screening.

Tickets: via Website £5.30* Door: £5 cash £5.30* card (*bank processing fee) Refreshments available from the bar.

A fundraising event for Earl Soham Village Hall Renovation Fund.

FILM NIGHT DIARY DATES: This is the last film of the ESVH current Film Night season.

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