From the shadow of the foot and mouth crisis evolved 'Shroves', a black comedy from a group of local and West Midland film-makers telling the story of village goings-on in the year 2012.

Sound recordist Oliver Rotchell and cameraman Neil Oseman have their eyes firmly set on the action as John Humphreys directs a futuristic and entertaining take on life without farming.

Written by Peter Cann, Shroves was filmed over two weekends among breathtaking locations in Eskleyside and Dorestone, taking a look beyond last year's outbreak of foot and mouth to explore its sensitive implications in a lighthearted and offbeat approach utilising the talents of local farmers, villagers and businesspeople.

The convincing Mr Clark is an Inspector working for the Department of Environment, Tourism and Heritage (known to the villagers as 'the bloke from DEATH'). Played by Trevor James he turns up unannounced, hot on the trail of a confirmed sample test of "unmodified lamb and possible unlicensed agricultural practices and/or regulated rustic festivities."

In the kitchen of the local pub knives are thrown into a pale and the carcass of sheep, after being hurriedly concealed in a bed sheet, is whisked away by villagers Ali Lloyd and Mike Salter (spotted only by two holidaying children arrived to see the carnival).

With fascinating undertones of the controversial 70s film The Wicker Man, the costume clad villagers (including Mr Clark) make their way to a sacrificial bonfire where, along with the infusion of music and midnight spit roast, the festivities gather momentum climaxing in the inevitable burning of an effigy.

Having booked a room in the pub, Mr Clark is cajoled into sampling a cup of 'laced' coffee served up by Sue Atkinson, one of the scripts 'lovely ladies'. She, like others in the village, will go to almost any length to keep their heritage subsidy.

Shroves envelops many social and communications issues, and as The Rural Media Company's Veyatie Ross explains, "this film has become a vehicle in raising awareness and spotlighting bureaucracy in the countryside which affects us all, not just the farming industry."

A date for the premiere screening of Shroves of May 18 has been agreed. The film is expected to tour film events and festivals throughout the surrounding counties.

Shroves community film was funded by the Local Heritage Initiative (LHI), The Elmley Foundation and Herefordshire Council.

Mike Yarranton