WORCESTER’s hidden historical gems played a starring role in helping a film win ‘Best Documentary’ at the city’s third annual film festival.
Conteur, based in Castle Street, won the award for its film Life Over Death, which has been in production since March 2022 and focuses on Worcester’s charnel house; a mediaeval crypt filled with bones.
This is the first time that the hidden, underground vault has ever been photographed or filmed. Conteur worked closely with the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, and Worcester Cathedral to tell its story.
Life Over Death, which was shortlisted for three awards, had its official premiere, followed by a Q&A session, during the festival.
Gillian Davies, director at Conteur and of the film, said:
“The team has worked so hard to pull this together and to film a subject that, as yet, has lain almost undiscovered was an incredible privilege. This was more than just a job to us, it really was a passion project; one we were all invested in from start to finish.
“We are so grateful to both Bishop John and the cathedral for trusting us with this content, and seeing their reaction to the film was all the reward we needed – although, a physical award does look nice on the shelf!”
The team are now working with Bishop John and Worcester Cathedral to organise a special screening and host an exclusive Q&A there in the spring – more details will be announced soon.
The ‘Best Documentary’ award win is the second in as many weeks for Conteur’s video team, who previously won the ‘Best Video Presentation’ award at this year’s Business Awards UK for their work in hospitality.
