THE BIG MEETING
Documentary 2019 Dir Daniel Draper
The Durham Miners' Gala is an annual celebration of noise, colour, culture, creativity, unity and endeavour. Attracting 200,000 people, banners and brass bands parade through the streets to honour their heritage.
The Big Meeting reflects the past, present and future of the Gala and labour movement, whilst following four protagonists over the course of this momentous working-class occasion.
The Big Meeting is the first official feature length documentary about the Durham Miners' Gala, officially endorsed by the Durham Miners' Association.
AN UNDENIABLY MOVING DEPICTION OF UNITY BORN OF TRADITION Vulture Hound
Capturing the exciting event on 15 cameras, The Big Meeting is a cacophonous, joyful look at the Gala, plus a delve into the past of mining, heritage, banners, music and politics.
After filming the 2018 Gala, the documentary premiered at Redhills (Pitmans' Parliament) in Durham in June 2019 and was released in UK cinemas in September. The film received four-star national reviews and was also featured on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch.
DANIEL DRAPER SHOWS THAT...A DEFIANT SPIRIT LIVES ON The Guardian
The Big Meeting was Shut Out The Light's second feature documentary to be released and self-distributed. The film received support from Trade Unions, Lipman-Milliband Trust and Alistair Hulett Memorial Trust.
A COMPELLING BEHIND-THE-SCENES
INSIGHT Radio Times
Read the reviews in The Guardian, Time Out, Vulture Hound, DMovies and Camden New Journal.