Emily Hawes ©

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  1. EEL, 16mm transferred to 4k, 2024 WIP

    According to myth, legend and gossip, eels evolved from horsehair submerged in water. The first recorded evidence of scientists looking into this phenomenon dating back to the 4th century BC. It has been estimated that around 100 million eels swim from the Sargasso Sea, up the Bristol Channel towards the wetlands and marshes of the Somerset Levels. The migration however has been in steep decline (90-95% since the 1980’s) due to draining the land for agricultural purposes and human habitation.

    EEL is a short, experimental 16mm film shot across the watery marshes, peatlands and ancient woodlands of Somerset. The film brings together stories, research, mythologies and folklore specific to Somerset, entangling themes of witchcraft, land enclosures and species extinction.