RUSH

Lizzie is an emerging filmmaker forming one half of a writing and directing partnership. With a background in architecture, she is intrigued by how a sense of place can shape and drive the films she makes. Her debut documentary RUSH follows modern-day basket weaver, Ella Merriman and celebrates the endangered craft of rush basketry. 

Ella Merriman is a London-based artist and designer whose practice focuses on the endangered craft of rush basketry. She harvests her rush by hand, in slow-flowing rivers across the UK and her practice explores the disconnection between humans and nature. Her rush is combined with found objects collected from London streets, seeking a dialogue between urban and rural life.  

Rooted in slow, tactile processes, her work is guided by intuition and the inherent qualities of her materials. Through experimental forms, Ella elevates everyday household and found objects, pushing rush basketry beyond function into conceptual and decorative realms. Her work examines themes of preservation, renewal and the quiet resonance of nature in contemporary life.  

Dan is an award-winning cinematographer with a strong background in documentaries, commercials and short films. His work has been featured at BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals. Dan cares deeply about capturing authenticity and emotion in every project. It’s important to him that people feel real and that his cinematography reflects the heart of the story. Growing up in the South West, Dan has  developed a love for the interplay between light and landscape, which influences his storytelling, allowing him to celebrate and adapt to natural light and surroundings. 

Hansel is an award-winning director and editor, passionate about creating fresh, cinematic stories that connect with a wide audience. As an editor, Hansel has worked with a range of collaborators cutting a range of short films, and mid to feature-length documentaries.