Join us for a special screening of Oyster Land, followed by a live in person Q&A with the filmmaker Matthew J. Harrison, Mersea Island Oysterman Dale Belbin and Rev. Matthew Simpkins the film soundtrack composer.

Oyster Land  spends time with the oystermen of Mersea Island, Essex and explores the ancient oyster culture of the city of Colchester.

It’s an atmospheric journey of working on the waters of an estuary that has sustained a local trade for thousands of years. 

Find out more about the Oyster Land story or join the live in-person Q&A with:

Dale Belbin, Mersea Island Oysterman – Making a living off the ancient Mersea Island oyster trade, Dale Belbin is one of the main figures in Oyster Land. He’s the youngest full-time oysterman on the Island and harvests his oysters from the creeks off the River Blackwater.

Rev. Matthew Simpkins, Soundtrack composer – Priest and classically trained musician, Rev. Matthew Simpkins, composed the ambient soundtrack for Oyster Land.

Inspired by his spiritual connection with the saltings of Mersea Island, Rev Simpkins also appears in the film to talk about the Patron Saint of Essex, St. Cedd, and his possible connection to Mersea oysters.

Matthew John Harrison, Filmmaker – Born and raised in historic Essex, Matthew studied film at Norwich University of the Arts and upon his return to his rural upbringing around Colchester, he found himself enthralled by the timeless traditions of the Blackwater oystermen.

He set up Eudo Films, the label under which he now releases documentary films, to document and explore the enigmatic poetry of East Anglian rural life.