Tree Fellers

Documentary Film, 24 minutes, 2004

The story of the 900 Belizean lumberjacks who in 1942 left the tropical rainforests of British Honduras to help Britain fight fascism by felling trees in Scotland. Sam (93), Eric (87) and Amos (86) were among those who stayed on after the war to make new lives in a country where, for better or worse, the colour of their skin marked them out. Newly discovered archive, long cherished memories and a last reunion are intertwined in this lyrical and moving documentary testament.

Broadcast on STV on ‘This Scotland’ strand, in 2004. Funded by STV, Grampion TV and Scottish Screen.

Nominated for a BAFTA Scotland award for Best Television Documentary in 2004.
Screened at Madrid Experimental Cinema Festival 2005, Spain and International Human Rights Festival 2005, Glasgow, Scotland.

Credits
Director
Sana Bilgrami

Producer
Robin MacPherson

Music
Written and performed by Marcelo de Oliveira

Researcher
Kamala Maniam

Additional Research
Jayne Wilding

Production Assistant
Angus Ferguson

Camera
Ian Dodds

Sound
Marcelo de Oliveira

Editor
Sitar Rose

Online Editor
Graham Fitzpatrick

Dubbing Mixer
Rob Walker

Executive Producers
Becky Lloyd
Henry Eagles
Agnes Wilkies

Production Company
ASYLUM PICTURES