Born in London in 1980, Oliver Dickinson is an Anglo-French documentary maker. Director of films with a social or ecological message: The Forgotten District, Caring for the Lagoon, Harvesters of the Bay... His cinematographic style has been recognised by more than 100 festival selections in 45 countries and he has received over twenty film awards.
Recent filmography:
My work, my sorrow
An encounter with François, Vincent, Marie and others, who reveal the hardship of their daily work in France over the past three decades. Interviews include experienced workers from industrial meat processing, 60-components-a-minute electronics assembly, fish processing in freezing conditions, breathing in asbestos in ship building, car assembly at a relentless rhythm and hauling power cables till back-break. Is such widespread distress inevitable?
44 minutes, 2009 Jury Award at the Liège ImagéSanté Film Festival
The Forgotten District
Between the Caribbean sea and the Maya Mountains lies Toledo, known as The Forgotten District of Belize, Central America. For the last 20 years, the Maya have been promoting their own ecotourism programme in order to protect their rainforest and traditions. Despite constant opposition from the government and the tourist industry, Margarita, Reyes, Chet and their friends remain strong and optimistic. This film is a tribute to their tireless efforts.
52 minutes, 2009 35 festival selections, 7 awards
website: http://theforgottendistrict.free.fr available on VOD
Caring for the Lagoon
The magnificent lagoon of Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, is at the very heart of local life. The Mahorans are aware of this and try to protect it. From the wooded mountain top to the mangrove and into the sea, we come across dedicated men, women and children, turtles and sea cucumbers, right down to the vibrant coral reefs shimmering below in the turquoise water. The lagoon of Mayotte is a cradle of hope: to build a future that will be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
52 minutes, 2011 27 festival selections, 9 awards
Harvesters of the Bay
Ten years ago, a few enthusiasts decided to revive the historic salt production of Bourgneuf Bay in the west of France. They dug out and cleared the ancient salt pans to harvest Bay Salt once again.
Over the course of a year, we come to appreciate Bernard, Daniel and Mano, three different personalities, united by a genuine attachment to their work and a deep respect for nature.
52 minutes, 2013 23 festival selections, 4 awards
