Award-Winning Director Tackles Farming
James Dawson's documentary explores the clash between traditional farming and rewilding in the English countryside. The film tells the story of two neighbouring farmers who share the same name but have radically different approaches to land use.
Dir: James Dawson
Cast: Derek Banbury, Derek Gow
87 mins · 2026 · United Kingdom · Cert 15 · English
IMDb 8.3/10
Awards: 1 nomination total
James Dawson, known for his thought-provoking documentaries, has turned his attention to the English countryside in his latest film, Derek Vs Derek.
What is the film about? The documentary follows the story of two neighbouring farmers, both named Derek, who take different approaches to land use, one embracing traditional intensive farming and the other adopting a more radical approach to rewilding.
What kind of film is it? Derek Vs Derek is a documentary film, 87 minutes long, rated 15, and shot in English, set in the rolling hills of Devon in the United Kingdom.
What has been the reception of the film? The film has received high scores, including 8.3/10 on IMDb, and has been nominated for one award, with viewers appreciating its unique blend of humour and seriousness in tackling the complex issue of biodiversity loss in the English countryside. Tickets or details for the screening on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, at The Old Market in Hove are available with the button beside this article.
What viewers say
johncwoods
I went to see James Dawson’s Derek vs Derek the other night and I loved it! James Dawson has pulled off that rare trick of making an entertaining film about an important social issue. The film tackles the loss of biodiversity in the English countryside beautifully: often looking like an Attenborough nature documentary. Derek vs Derek has the quiet humour of an episode of Mortimer and Whitehouse gone fishing but portrays the complexity of the…
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