12.79°C Local filmmaker Matthew John Harrison is showing his latest documentary, Oyster Land, on Saturday 26th October, at The Commons Cafe in Colchester. The atmospheric film examines the lives of the oystermen of Mersea Island, capturing the rich, centuries-old traditions of oyster farming in the Colchester area. Through breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling, Oyster Land explores the unique relationship between these fishermen and the ancient estuary that has sustained their trade for thousands of years.
The evening will also feature live performances by Rev Simpkins, the legendary local musician and Anglican priest, and acclaimed poet and musician Martin Newell. Their contributions will provide a fitting prelude to the screening.
Keep Colchester Cool’s Ben Howard got to ask Matthew John Harrison about Oyster Land.
Can you tell us a bit about how Oyster Land came about?
“Oyster Land began in the depths of Colchester Castle. I was amongst the foundations of the castle, which are all that remains of the Roman Temple of Claudius. It was surrounded by these foundations that I was captivated by the shell of a native oyster. The shell had been preserved for thousands of years, and as it sat there, gripped by Roman aggregate, I understood the shell to be a symbol of Colchester’s ancient reliance on the sea for trade and survival. It was here that I had the revelation that I was standing in some kind of oyster land. When I returned from my visit to the castle, I wrote down the title Oyster Land and a list of five things I wanted in this film, and from there, the project grew and grew, and now, two and a half years later, the film is finally completed.”
The film is described as “atmospheric.” What does that mean in terms of how you’ve approached the storytelling?
“Over the two years of production, the film has taken many shapes and forms. It began as a more factual programme of sorts, but the film became more quiet and brooding as time went on. Similar to how an oyster soaks up all the flavour from the estuary where it grows, I wanted my film to feel like the place it was filmed in. It needed that mysterious estuarine feeling I find so poignant when looking out over the Essex marshes.”
You’ve captured the traditions of oyster farming, which is such an old trade. How did the oystermen themselves respond to being filmed?
“The oystermen were very open to my interest in their work. Once I had filmed with one oysterman, it gave me access to others. As I was filming the oystermen working the same job they’ve done for a lifetime, they were in a trance-like state of working on the water—I like to think they forgot I was there. I’d say my main objective when shooting a documentary is to become as invisible as possible. My camera is very unobtrusive, and it’s only me on the crew. I believe this approach allows for intimate moments to unfold in front of the lens. These moments can only occur out of mutual respect between the camera operator and the subject. Therefore, I’m extremely grateful for the kindness and decorum of the oystermen involved.”
You’ve got some live performances lined up with Rev Simpkins and Martin Newell. How do they tie in with the film?
“I’d known of Rev Matthew Simpkins since I saw him being interviewed about his music on BBC Look East. I needed to touch on the spiritual significance of the oyster, and I believed that Matthew was perfect for this, and so I’m very fond of his scene in the film. Matthew also composed the main soundtrack for the film, which magically personifies the expansiveness of the Essex marshland. The score features a reed organ with the creaks of the pedals left in, which, as it happens, sound just like the oars of a rowing boat.
As for Martin Newell, there is a poem by Jonathan Swift called Oysters, which mentions Colchester Oysters. I needed a local poet to read this, so I contacted Mr Newell, and we agreed on a time and filmed the poetry reading on a stretch of reclaimed marshland next to the sea wall at Wivenhoe. Martin also composed the main theme for Oyster Land, which is called The Queen of Oysters. It’s a baroque celebration of the native oyster with some lyrics to ‘rouse up your mettle’.”
What do you hope the audience will take away from Oyster Land?
“The world of oyster farming is an incredibly local one, yet it is relatively unknown. Hopefully, the film reveals this world in a truthful manner, not romanticising the work but showing it for what it is—gruelling in the elements, yet quietly wise.”
Thanks, Matthew. I’m looking forward to the screening and learning more about this incredible part of Colchester’s heritage.
Screening Details:
Oyster Land, Saturday 26th October, The Commons Cafe, Colchester
Live performances by Revd. Matthew Simpkins and poet Martin Newell
Screening followed by a Q&A with Matthew John Harrison, Dale Belbin, Martin Newell, and Revd. Matthew Simpkins
Starts at 7pm. Tickets are £5 + booking fee
Tickets available at Eventbrite: Book here
Catch the trailer for Oyster Land here: Watch now
