Watch Edith Walks

Edith Walks is a heartfelt and personal movie from 2017 which follows filmmaker Andrew Kotting as he walks through the South Downs in England, paying tribute to the late performance artist and writer, Edith Walks. Along the way, Kotting is joined by a group of friends and colleagues, including writer Iain Sinclair and psychic Alan Moore.

The movie is an unconventional and experimental take on documentary filmmaking, blending elements of fiction, autobiography and myth to create a unique and moving portrait of Walks and her legacy. Kotting uses a range of techniques to tell the story, including sound recordings, photography, drawing and animation, and the result is a visually arresting and thought-provoking movie.

Throughout the film, Kotting and his companions explore the landscape of the South Downs, taking in the natural beauty of the area and reflecting on the life and works of Edith Walks. They also encounter various locals, including farmers, historians and poets, who offer their own perspectives on the landscape and its significance.

As well as exploring the South Downs, the film also delves into the life and work of Edith Walks herself. Born in the 1930s, Walks was a pioneering performance artist and writer who challenged traditional ideas of gender and sexuality. She was known for her provocative and surreal performances, and her work has been influential to generations of artists.

Through a series of interviews with Walks' friends and collaborators, as well as readings from her literary output, the film paints a vivid picture of this complicated and fascinating figure. We learn about her struggles with mental illness, her relationship with her mother, and her unique approach to art.

One of the key themes of the movie is the idea of pilgrimage, both in a literal sense (as Kotting and his companions travel through the South Downs) and in a spiritual sense (as they pay tribute to Walks and her work). The film explores the concept of walking as a form of meditation, and the idea of re-connecting with the natural world as a means of healing and rejuvenation.

Another important theme of the film is the idea of memory, and the ways in which we remember and honor those who have passed away. Through Kotting's journey, we see how memories and experiences can be passed down from one generation to the next, and how the legacy of a creative individual can continue to inspire and influence others long after their death.

Overall, Edith Walks is a beautiful and thought-provoking movie which defies easy categorization. It combines elements of travelogue, memoir, art history and spiritual exploration to create a unique and moving portrait of a fascinating artist and the landscape she loved. Whether you are a fan of avant-garde art or simply appreciate a good walk in the countryside, this film is well worth checking out.