Sharing The A105
Sharing the A105 is a documentary film project that engaged the local community with changes to the A105 with the introduction of segregated cycle lanes along a length of the route.
Since the scheme was awarded there was heated debate from all sides about the benefits and drawbacks of the scheme. The film brought together the many perspectives of people in the community in an attempt to reach a common understanding.
The film was commissioned by the local Talkies Community Cinema. It premiered at their annual HERE Film Festival in March 2019 to a full house.
I really appreciate the sensitivity of the film maker to this controversy - I felt that everyone’s views were treated with respect and dignity. The aim was not to be shocking or divisive but to unite the community. Apart from that, it was beautifully filmed. I loved the children’s contributions both for and against and the candid shots of people using the street.
Only just fell short of (like the early consultation phases) of being dominated by car centric people, especially baby boomers. David Burrowes lost his parliamentary seat on an anti cycle lanes platform, so other views clearly existed that were arguably under-represented in the film.
Would be good to do a follow up or two as these changes may take years to have full positive impact
Expected to see more ‘anti’ (illogical as they are). I suppose that side of the story was told well enough, but it just was not compelling.
Beautiful documentary, I enjoyed it and I hope it gets lots of coverage, it is an important message told well.