New documentary to tell Greenbelt story

 (Photo: Greenbelt)

The Greenbelt Festival is as popular now is it was when it first began in 1974.

Now the forty years that have passed since its humble beginnings in a Suffolk field will be captured in a feature-length documentary film.

The highs and lows of Greenbelt over the last decades will be told through rare archive footage and photography, music from the four decades, and voices past and present.

As much as it is a fond nod to the past, the documentary promises to look towards the future in keeping with the 40th festival theme of "Life Begins".

Paul Northup Greenbelt Festival Director said: "Together, our hope is that we can make this a truly memorable film about Greenbelt's 40-year history – and the next phase of the journey. Just as the festival at its best does, this campaign offers everyone a chance to be involved."

Greenbelt is raising money for the film through a crowd funding campaign on IndieGogo.

They have less than 60 days to reach their goal of $15,000. A donation of $100 will get a spot as a special guest at a test screening in London. For $150, the donor's name will appear in the documentary credits. Donors of $500 will get to attend the launch screening in London along with a guest.

The film is being made by the award-winning Blue Hippo Media.

Film director Pip Piper said: "Blue Hippo is delighted to be working alongside Greenbelt to make this film. As a Greenbelter myself, I knew the crowd-finding campaign would capture people's imagination and I knew Greenbelters would be generous. It's been extremely good to see how the campaign has got off to a great start."

BBC Radio presenter Simon Mayo said: "Great to hear Greenbelt are shooting a film to mark the 40th festival next summer. Can't wait to see it ... my back feels as if I've camped at every one."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.