An intrepid explorer, Ben Rivers toys with ethnographic tropes whilst roaming free from documentary truth. Encountering those who choose to live apart from society, his nonjudgmental approach presents 'real life, or something close to it.' The Edge of the World features several recent works with other films of his choice.

Ah Liberty!

UK 2008. Dir Ben Rivers. 19min.

In the wilderness of a highland farm, a bunch of tearaways joyride, smash up, tinker and terrorise the way that only children can. Assimilating landscape and livestock, this poetic study contrasts the languid setting with the youngster's restless energy.

Recordando el Ayer

USA 2007. Dir Alexandra Cuesta. 9min.

In the shadow of an elevated subway line in Queens, New York, the residents, streets and stores of a Latino community evoke a sense of transience and displacement.

Astika

UK-Denmark 2007. Dir Ben Rivers. 8min.

Danish recluse Astika has allowed nature to run wild, overgrowing his own habitat to the point that he has no option but to move away. The film is a hazy arrangement in green and gold, all rich textures and lush foliage.

Singing Biscuits

USA 2007. Dir Luther Price. 4min.

A gospel cry rings out across the decades, disrupted in space and time, fading but resilient.

New Surprise Film

UK-Denmark 2008. Dir Ben Rivers. c.7min.

A little anticipation never did anyone any harm; you'll have to be there to find out what it is.

Origin of the Species

UK 2008. Dir Ben Rivers. 17min.

'A 70-year old man living in a remote part of Scotland has been obsessed with 'trying to really understand' Darwin's book for many years. Alongside this passion, he's been constantly working on small inventions for making his life easier. The film investigates someone profoundly interested in human beings, but who has decided to live separately from the majority of them.' Ben Rivers
Mark Webber