Inspired by the 1931 ‘Secrets of Nature’ film of the same name, artists Tracy & Hobbs, in collaboration with Cambridge University scientist, Professor Malcolm Burrows and sound artist Tim Olden worked with three community groups based in Bow and Hackney - Ray’s Geezers, The Sharp End and Gayhurst Community School, to create a film about the microscopic creatures that dwell in the waterways of East London.
Together the groups explored the movement of Pond Skaters, Water Boatmen and other minute freshwater creatures using footage captured at 5000 frames per second alongside drawn animation and archive footage. The groups also worked with local historian Carolyn Clarke to explore the history and heritage of the canals, sharing memories, local stories and reflecting upon the lives of the participants and the broader history of the waterways of East London.
Waterfolk was commissioned by UP Projects for The Floating Cinema 2013 and funded by Arts Council England, The Legacy List and City Bridge Trust.
