Every year for decades the Dover Film has recorded the highlights of life in the Town – forming a unique and moving chronicle of changing times. And this year is no different as the volunteer film team captured a year like no other. The footage begins with the normality of early 2020, the DODS panto and the spectacular fireworks over the harbour during the visit of the new cruise liner Scarlett Lady. We then see how the Covid lockdown affected Dover, the clap for our NHS heroes, the suddenly empty quiet and High Street, the commemoration of VE Day with by socially distant street parties in front gardens as we found ways to be together but safe. The beach was the most popular place for fun and sun this year with plenty of space for families to enjoy being out safely. Dover community spirit is always wonderful and never more so in this year as people supported each other and the wider community. The volunteer beach clean was able to go ahead in September and the Tower Hamlets Forum collected over 50 bags of rubbish in their local area clean-up. The film ends with moving personal statements from ordinary people living through an extraordinary year – and when asked about what they most valued about Dover they agreed that our wonderful natural landscape, the countryside, the cliffs and the sea were the most important together with being part of a community that cares.
The Dover film – not to be missed – is normally shown in our own Silver Screen Cinema but this year you can find it on-line at the Dover Film Festival website www.dover-film.com under the membership tab. Watching the 2020 film is free and by joining the society you also get access to previous films. Dover Town Council gives regular support to the Dover Film – most recently in 2020 a grant of £311 towards secure storage.
The team are already at work on the 2021 film so if you have an event or something you think needs recording why not contact them through their website?