TRAILER | Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay

Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay

NOW STREAMING!

Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay is now available to watch free on YouTube.

If you enjoyed the film and would like to support future independent documentaries from On Y Va Films, you can do so via Patreon: Watch & Support here

Ramsay's wit, charm and talent certainly shine through in a well deserved documentary about her life!” - Dances With Films: NYC

Directed by Neil Emery, “Show Up and Start” is a 47-minute documentary offering an intimate portrait of Dorothy Ramsay, a Lake District-based artist. The film traces Ramsay’s postwar childhood in northeast England, her education at the renowned Camberwell School of Art in London, and her diverse experiences as a weaver, therapist, and full-time artist.

The film’s title, “Show Up and Start,” reflects Ramsay’s belief that persistence and consistency are essential to the creative process. Her life and work stand as a testament to the power of continuing with one’s craft, even when inspiration feels elusive.

Emery’s directorial approach, shaped by years of documenting the landscapes of the Lake District, provides a visually rich backdrop to Ramsay’s story.

Complementing the visual storytelling is the evocative sound and music of Shelley Roden, an award-winning foley artist at Skywalker Sound, and Jeffrey Roden, an acclaimed US composer. Their work deepens the film’s emotional resonance and reflective tone.

Selected Awards & Nominations

Show Up and Start has received jury-led awards and international recognition at established festivals across Europe and North America, with a particular focus on documentary storytelling:

USA Film Festival (Dallas, USA)
Jury Prize – Documentary Short

WorldFest Houston International Film Festival
Finalist – Documentary

Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (Canada)
Multiple Nominations – Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Director (Short), Best Film Editing

Lift-Off Global Network (UK / Europe / North America)
Winner & Official Selections – Documentary Feature
(Manchester, London, Paris, Toronto)

Golden State Film Festival (USA)
Winner – Best International Short Documentary

Lift-Off Global Network Season Awards 16

Nominee

Full credits and additional recognitions are listed on IMDb.

Watch the full film today and support independent documentary filmmaking via Patreon:Buy & Stream on Patreon

Black trophy silhouette with laurel wreath border, with placeholder text reading 'Award of Excellence' in the center.

Black laurel wreath surrounding the text 'Jury Prize USA Film Festival 2025' on a white background.

A black and white drawing of a human face with large eyes, a nose, and a mouth, with parts of the face appearing in cartoonish style.

Black award ribbon with gold text that says, "Official Selection International Film Festival" and scrolls of laurel leaves