Introduction to ‘Taking your Owner for a Walk: the Morning Ritual on Landport Bottom, Lewes’
By Wilma de Jong
Landport Bottom on the north west side of Lewes is a site beloved of dog-walkers because of its gentle ascent to the South Downs. In this short film we have mapped ‘the daily ritual’ but from a dog’s perspective. The film is constructed in layers. The moving image shows the different materials of the paths, different landscapes (woods, shrubs, chalk pit, narrow paths up hills, agriculture and views of the Downs, the river and Lewes. Superimposed are photos of dog-owners and quotes from them obtained in interview of how they experience the walk. The sound track consists of ambient sound of walking, birdsong and dog sounds and an incidental owner calling her dog.
The gentle pace of the film recalls the visual and aural experiences of the walk.
VIDEO CREDITS
Wilma de Jong: Concept and Director
Christine Cohen Park: Interviewer and Co-director
Jack Zeniewski: Editor
