here & now

To continue with the theme of Britishness, Martin Parr’s wonderful short film about a sweet factory in Birmingham is as about as picture-perfect ‘British’ as it gets. The 20 minute long documentary follows Betty and Teddy Gray, owners of one of the only companies left in Britain that are yet to go online or use computers, as well as their co-workers who use sweet making methods not changed since 1826. Parr’s clips of the workers rolling out giant pieces of rock candy make it look like a real life Willy Wonka factory, but it’s also a completely heartwarming and engaging look into a company that doesn’t feel it has to prioritise efficiency above tradition. Mostly though, it makes me want to get my hands on some pear drops or lemon sherbets… (where can you find those in Berlin?!)