“Rarely does one come across a documentary so astute in its environmental argument and, at the same time, so precise in its portrayal of a society that extends well beyond the Devon countryside, and so enjoyable in its juxtaposition of two unforgettable protagonists.”
Monday 9th March was a exciting day for Derek vs Derek as the film had it’s world premiere at Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece.
The Dereks & Linda Banbury joined director James Dawson and editor James Gold to see themselves on the big screen for the first time. Taking lots of questions from the audience afterwards.
Of course off screen, Derek Gow organised a trip to Lake Kerkini near the Bulgarian border. A stunning spot for cormorants, Dalmatian pelicans and stork nests. Derek Banbury was less keen on the idea of local bears, wolves and jackals but warmed to the storks.
To finish off the trip the second night screening sold out, warming our hearts that the film is off to a flying start!
“Our film’s had a wonderful reception here at its world premiere in Thessaloniki. The enthusiasm and excitement shown at screenings by out Greek hosts has been truly touching.”
© Thessaloniki Film Festival / Studio Aris Rammos
What’s it like living next door to Britain’s most notorious rewilder? The new movie, Derek vs Derek investigates.
In this programme Ffinlo Costain meets the two Dereks – rewilder, Derek Gow, and dairy farmer, Derek Banbury – alongside the film’s director James Dawson.
Listen on your preferred podcast platform – search Farm Gate wherever you get your podcasts.
A special bonus episode ahead of the official relaunch of This Might Just Work: Ideas for a Tired Planet in January.
Rob chats with filmmaker James Dawson, director of Derek vs Derek, a documentary built around an unlikely pairing: two neighbouring farmers with very different views on what the countryside is for. On one side is Derek Gow, a maverick rewilder in Devon digging ponds, reintroducing species, and letting nature get noisy again. Over the hedge is Derek Banbury, an arable farmer focused on food production, tight margins, and the reality of making a living from the land.
They disagree, sometimes spectacularly (wild boar and beavers included), but they do not hate each other. Which makes this film feel like a rare thing: a genuinely human conversation in a polarised debate.
