A fourteen year old shepherd, a falconer hairdresser and a young houndsman or 'whip' are the subjects of focus for this simple portrait of rural Welsh teenagers. Hesitant to identify themselves as professionals their expertise transcends that of a hobbyist and belies their youth. Their work reveals a passionate and pragmatic engagement with animals derived from a childhood spent in sheds and barns. Shot on a scoopic in 16mm the film portrays an intimacy and harshness of reality in this rural context.
This work was originally commissioned by Ruth Jones for Holy Hiatus in Cardigan, West Wales.
Holy Hiatus publication is available including an interview between anthrozoologist Samantha Hurn and Anna Lucas.
Download PDF of interview (548 KB)