Our Land
The brief
Orban Wallace follows England's Right to Roam activists as they stage coordinated trespassing events on private land, turning countryside walks into acts of civil disobedience. The film moves with the deliberate pace of the hikers themselves, building tension through stunning landscape photography and increasingly heated confrontations between determined walkers and furious landowners. Wallace stays refreshingly neutral, letting both sides make their case without heavy-handed editorializing, though the sheer beauty of the contested countryside makes a quiet argument for access. Perfect for anyone who loved The Seasons in Quincy or gets fired up about public space politics.
The verdict
If you're passionate about environmental issues or enjoy contemplative documentaries that let complex debates unfold naturally, this is essential viewing that combines gorgeous cinematography with genuinely important politics. If you need fast-paced storytelling or get impatient with films that prioritize observation over argument, you'll find the deliberate hiking pace frustratingly slow.
Watch with
- 👥 Nature lovers and activists
- 👤 Perfect for solo reflection
- ⚠️ Skip if you dislike slow pacing
Heads up
- Heated confrontations between protesters and landowners (moderate)
- Civil disobedience and trespassing scenes (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Orban Wallace
Official synopsis
Through organised 'mass trespass' events, the Right to Roam movement sets out to increase public access to nature, but finds itself in conflict with England's landowners.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Animal Farm (2026)
Both examine power structures and land ownership through different storytelling approaches.
Total runtime: 1h 31m + 1h 36m = 3h 7m
