Appleby Horse Fair
Dave Thomas
Photographic
Documentation from 1960-1970 of the Appleby Horse Fair - a long-running annual gathering of travellers, horse dealers and families in the North of England.
The Pursuit of Happiness (2008)
Amber Films
The Pursuit of Happiness (2008)
Amber Films
A feature length portrait of a traveller family in County Durham, intertwined with a reflection on Amber founder Murray Martin, and the bonds between filmmaker and subject.
- Film and Video
- Popular Cultures
- Communities
- Portraits
- UK Documentary
- Northern Documentary
- 2000 – 2010
- County Durham
- UK
Amber Films, 90 mins, 2008
The Pursuit of Happiness (2008) is a feature-length documentary, initially aimed to document a traveller family settled in County Durham, reflecting Amber's commitment to portraying working-class life in North East England. However, following the sudden death of Amber's founder member, Murray Martin, in 2007, the film's focus shifted to commemorate his life and contributions. Martin's involvement in harness racing and his close relationship with the traveller community became central themes, intertwining personal narrative with broader socio-cultural reflections.
The documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Martin, through a blend of observational footage and personal reflections, the film explores themes of community, belonging, and the pursuit of a simpler life. This approach provides insight into the intertwined lives of the filmmaker and his subjects, highlighting shared values and mutual respect.
The Pursuit of Happiness stands as a testament to Amber's dedication to social realist cinema and community engagement. By turning the lens inward, the film not only honours Murray Martin's legacy but also serves as a broader meditation on the nature of happiness, community, and the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking in the UK.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND)
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© Amber Films
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