A great interview with Dave Brewis, the filmmaker behind the incredible new TV series 'Gatherings', a documentary following the folk customs and gatherings in the UK. We chat about filming Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing, The Haxey Hood, Bonfire in Rye, Jedburgh Hand Ba, Abbots Bromley Horn Dance and the Burry Man.

• Authentic approach using the voices of the people
• The atmosphere of these large folk gatherings
• Folklore and folk gatherings bringing harmony and togetherness

Watch the series here at gatherings.tv

Available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and YouTube movies.

We have also discussed similar folk gatherings in some previous episodes

Hastings Jack in the Green - https://dreamswarm-podcast.castos.com/episodes/jack-in-the-green-hastings-jack

Mummers Plays - https://dreamswarm-podcast.castos.com/episodes/christmas-mummers-plays-wantage-mummers

Krampus Runs - https://dreamswarm-podcast.castos.com/episodes/krampus-with-al-ridenhour

We speak to Jarod Winchester, a screenwriter from south India about representations of LQBTQ characters in Hindu mythology and folklore and also in fantasy films and novels.

• LGBTQ characters in fantasy
• LGBTQ representations in Hindu mythology
• Influence of Hindu mythology and folklore in Jarod's work
• Jarod's gay fantasy script

Jarod also runs The Story Dude YouTube channel about craftng compelling stories https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesB31SaHnfVcygrm0Tj6RQ

He also runs Spring Whales Productions showcasing films for LGBTQ audiences https://www.youtube.com/@springwhalesproductions

We are re-joined by returning heroine Alexandra Beaumont, auther of new fantasy novel 'Dissonance of Birdsong'. We chat about how her new novel has been influenced by folklore and by her experiences of Cornwall.

• New novel 'Dissonance of Birdsong'
• Influence of folklore
• Landscape and environment of Cornwall
• Tropes and trends in fantasy
• Tips for generating creative ideas

You can buy 'Dissonance of Birdsong' and her other fantasy novel 'Testament of the Stars' here

Follow Alexandra Beaumont on X here @ABeaumontWriter