Put this in your diary, under pain of death.

Ok, that was a bit extreme. Maybe I should have said, put this in your diary, if you like. The thing is, you should, because it’s Zed Nelson’s first documentary film.. We all know Zed is the MAN when it comes to quality documentary photography. So, this will be good. Very, very good. We’re punting this for Zed because he deserves it, and the story is important.

Why Zed did it this way: “I suppose it was a growing frustration with the limitations of magazine features. This story just couldn’t be translated well on the printed page.”

As to the story (from here):

“The idea for the film came out of a story Zed had researched and photographed for an Observer feature just as Bush had become president the first time around. Petrochemical plants were routinely releasing millions of tons of toxic pollutants into the air each year, and a loophole in the law allowed them to release thousands more in “accidental” or “unscheduled” releases. The casualties are the people living nearby, who complain they are breathing the air every day. That’s where the title comes from: Shelter in Place is the warning sent out for people to stay indoors after a significant release.”

And here’s a rip straight from the press release:

Shelter in Place / Shortlisted for a Grierson Best Newcomer Award 2010.
Director: Zed Nelson, Producer: Hannah Patterson. 48 mins

A compelling portrait of a community living on the fenceline of the Texan petro-chemical industry. Civil rights, environmental pollution and a battle against unstoppable corporate power…

In Texas, petro-chemical plants routinely release millions of tons of toxic pollutants into the air each year, plus thousands more in ‘accidental’ releases. When these incidents happen, local residents are advised to shelter in their homes and tape up their windows and doors. Filmed and directed by award-winning photojournalist Zed Nelson, Shelter in Place is a compelling portrait of a community living in the shadow the mighty Texan petro-chemical industry. Disturbing and burningly relevant – a story about civil rights, environmental pollution and a battle against corporate power.Petropolis

Director: Peter Mettler. 43 mins

A look at the world’s largest environmental oil disaster, Alberta Tar Sands, Canada.

“A perfect example of an issue driven documentary- a combination of beautiful filmmaking and great storytelling” The Frontline club.

‘Beautifully shot….an emotionally engaging portrait of people without a voice” The International Film Guide

A piece about the film in the Guardian  is here.

And, at last, a picture! Yay!

Very best of luck from duck and rabbit. You and Ricky Gervais on stage together next year then, eh Zed?