Show Up and Start: The Art and Life of Dorothy Ramsay
“Dorothy 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 that offers a touching and intimate look at Ramsay, a Lake District-based artist. Emery, known for his YouTube videos about walking in the Lake District, brings Ramsay’s artistic journey to the screen. The film traces her 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 documentary’s title, “Show Up and Start,” encapsulates Ramsay’s belief that persistence and consistency are essential to the creative process. Her life and work serve as a testament to the power of showing up and engaging with one’s craft, even when inspiration feels elusive.
Neil Emery’s directorial approach, honed through his work capturing the natural beauty of the Lake District, provides a visually stunning backdrop to Ramsay’s story, immersing viewers in her artistic process. Emery's passion for the region shines through in both his YouTube content and this thoughtful documentary.
Complementing the visual storytelling is the evocative sound and music of Shelley Roden, an award-winning foley artist at Skywalker Sound, and Jeffrey Roden, a celebrated US composer. Their work elevates the emotional tone of Ramsay’s journey, enhancing the documentary’s intimate and reflective atmosphere.
Film Festivals:
USA Film Festival, Houston 2025 - WINNER: Jury Prize: Nonfiction
Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival 2025 - WINNER: Best Feature Documentary
Golden State Film Festival 2025 - WINNER: Best International Short Documentary
Dublin Movie Awards, January 2025 - WINNER: Best Feature Documentary
Latitude Film Awards, October 2024 - WINNER: Documentary Feature Bronze Award
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, March 2025 - Honourable Mention
RS FilmFest 2024 (FINALIST), New York Film and Actor Awards 2024 (SHORTLIST), , Paris International Short Festival (SEMI-FINALIST), Edinburgh Film Awards (SEMI-FINALIST), Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards (OFFICIAL SELECTION), London Lift-Off Film Festival (OFFICIAL SELECTION), LA Film & Documentary Award (OFFICIAL SELECTION), Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards (OFFICIAL SELECTION), San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival (Semi-finalist), Cinematography & Photography Awards (OFFICIAL SELECTION), Tokyo Women Film Festival (SEMI-FINALIST), Melbourne Independent Film Festival (SEMI-FINALIST), USA FILM FESTIVAL (FINALIST), WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival (FINALIST), Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2025 (FINALIST), Toronto Lift-Off Festival 2025 (FINALIST).
