The Land

An adventure play documentary
by
Year Released
2015
Film Length(s)
24 mins
Remote video URL

Introduction

The Land is a short documentary about a Welsh adventure playground of the same name. Since its premiere at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, The Land has been used widely by educators, play advocates, designers and parents as a tool to launch robust conversations about play, risk, freedom and children's culture.

Featured review

A must-see for anyone interested in play. Period.
Amy Fusselman
Author of Savage Park

Synopsis

The Land is a junkyard playground where children are free to do anything they want with whatever they can find. A staff of uniquely trained "playworkers" support the play driven by the belief that children deserve the opportunity to control the content and direction of their own play.

Reviews

A horror film for hover parents.
Festival viewer
Festival viewer
A great conversation starter... A stunning piece of work.
David Plotz
Slate Political Gabfest
The intimacy of this film reaches people on a gut level, showing the power of children's play on its own terms.
Morgan Leichter Saxby
Play Advocate & Founder of Pop Up Adventure Play
I am so grateful for your film—it started such robust, complex conversations with our new staff.
Megan
The New Children’s Museum
My favorite part of class was definitely our guest Erin Davis and viewing The Land while she was present. I love the individualism and freedom expressed by the children there. It really got me thinking.
Middlebury College student
Middlebury College student
In half an hour this film will change everything you think you believe. By you, I mean kids, parents, teachers, city managers, humans. It doesn't have any overt agenda or philosophizing about overprotective parenting, or a coddled generation. Nonetheless in scene after natural scene the truth becomes obvious: With a little bit of creativity, empathy and guidance, children can be freed to experience a much more fun, adventurous and fulfilling childhood.
Hanna Rosin
The Atlantic

Awards and Screenings

Full Frame Documentary Film Festival , 2015
AFI Docs, 2015
Rooftop Films, 2015
Camden International Film Festival , 2015
Community Design Collaborative: Strengthening Neighborhoods Through Design, 2015

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Resources for Educators

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

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