BAFTA award winning director Jonathan Hodgson has just completed production on Forest Murmurs, funded by Arts Council of England, with the support of Film London Artists' Moving Image Network.

Initially intended to be a surreal narrative based on overheard conversations, Hodgson chose Epping Forest as the location for his covert recordings. As the twelve and a half minute film developed, he became fascinated by the forest's sinister past. Historical accounts of villainous acts were brought back to life with animated Nineteenth Century etchings. These were interplayed with present day live action footage, found sound, text and hand drawn animation. The resulting film documents what was to become an increasingly paranoid journey into the dark side of the imagination as the ominous atmosphere of the forest became overwhelming. Jonathan's mastery of this unique montage approach helps to recreate any of the truths and myths that have long lied buried in this popular public leisure area.

Forest Murmurs was shot on HDV and combined with Animation created in After Effects and Mirage. Music composed by Stuart Hilton. Sound design and mix by Barnaby Templer and Jake Roberts of Fonic.