New Documentary Derek vs Derek Brings Farming’s Biggest Debate to the Big Screen
Bore Place is pleased to be hosting a screening of Derek vs Derek for farmers.
Award-winning director James Dawson’s new documentary Derek vs Derek is set in the rolling hills of Devon, telling the story of two neighbouring farmers who share a name but take radically different approaches to land use. Through humour and occasional tension, the film shines a light on the vital debate surrounding the future of rural Britain, encouraging conversation around how farming and nature restoration can work alongside each other.
Derek vs Derek also explores the complexities of modern farming, highlighting the pressures facing farmers: from climate change to economic uncertainty.
The film’s central protagonist is Derek Banbury, a self-proclaimed intensive dairy farmer who has spent more than five decades building a productive, family-run farm business. For Banbury, farming is about efficiency, producing food and working the land with one clear goal: feeding the nation.
Over the hedge is Derek Gow, a former sheep farmer now focused on a large-scale nature restoration project. Known for reintroducing native species, including beavers, Gow is creating habitats designed to support wildlife recovery. His decision to step away from traditional farming has caused concern among neighbouring farmers, particularly after previously describing farming as “a miserable business”.
The relationship between the two men sits at the heart of the film. Their exchanges, sometimes heated and often humorous, reflect a genuine clash of views, alongside a shared connection to
the land. As wildlife begins to return and the landscape changes, both men are forced to respond to the new reality.
An ambitious nationwide screening campaign aims to take these conversations directly into farming communities to create space for open discussion and knowledge sharing.
Tickets are free to book and and donations are welcome on the evening.
