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DEFIANT: County Durham, The Miners’ Strike and its Legacy
Film Premiere and Q&A
July 5 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, £5.00 – £15.00
This film brings to the screen a story of resilience, community and political struggle, charting the profound impact of pit closures and the enduring strength of mining communities.
"People see the Miners’ Strike as wholly defeat, but in terms of community spirit, organisation and gathering together, there was incredible success, and that is what we see with people on the ground in our communities right now, people are still mobilizing.
When you look at the political situation, there's a pushback and I think people are coming together for something that's positive, for something that's inclusive, for something that celebrates an area and everybody in it. And I think that's really the key, that's why we still have the Durham Miners’ Gala and people turn out in their thousands, to celebrate our history, our heritage, our culture and to celebrate inclusivity."
Marie Gardiner (Director of DEFIANT)
The premiere event will include a special screening followed by a live Q&A, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and contributors.
The film is written, directed and produced by Lonely Tower Film & Media, an independent production company led by Marie Gardiner and Mark Thorburn. Set against the backdrop of County Durham, the film captures the lived experiences of those who endured one of the most significant industrial disputes in modern British history — the 1984–85 UK miners' strike. It explores not only the devastating social and economic consequences of the strike, but also the solidarity networks and collective spirit that continue to shape the region today.
"We wanted to make this film because it’s about our friends and neighbours, it’s about the incredible things they were able to achieve against overwhelming odds. The echoes of what happened during the strike and the closures that followed ring loud and clear in all ex-mining communities, and we have to acknowledge that and keep fighting. The film can be a difficult watch at times, but we wanted to do honest service to everyone who shared their experiences, and tell it, as Alan Mardghum says ‘warts and all’.
The inheritance we all have from 84 /85 is an acknowledgement that standing together and looking after your neighbour is everything." Mark Thorburn (Director of DEFIANT)
To book your space, click here.
Following the film premiere, Defiant will be embarking on a community tour of the coalfield as part of Redhills’ new community connections hyper local touring programme. If you would like to host a local screening, contact vonni@redhillsdurham.org.
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