Celebrating 50 Years: Bringing Our Story to the Big Screen

More than a history

The original idea was to look back across 50 years. But how do you fit five decades of Camphill Blair Drummond into one film?

The answer was not to try to tell every story, but to capture something of the people, relationships and sense of community running through them.

“At first glance this film is about our history and impact, but I like to think that what was actually captured were the reasons why a community is so crucial to creating a nurturing environment.”

Across conversations with people who have lived, worked and felt connected to Camphill Blair Drummond over the years, one idea kept returning: belonging. Some have come back after 30 years to a place that has physically changed yet still found that familiar feeling of coming home.

“Community means different things for different people, but most of all community means belonging. A place where we feel valued, listened to, acknowledged and safe.”

Finding a place to belong

For one of our premiere speakers, that feeling is summed up simply:

“I often say that I found myself here. Camphill Blair Drummond gave me something I hadn't experienced before. It was a place where I felt safe enough to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow without fear of judgement.”

More than 20 years earlier, another member of our community had arrived for a job interview feeling anxious and unsure what to expect. A morning in the bakery, joining in with the work, banter and laughter, followed by lunch with residents, quickly changed that. She remembers feeling completely at home. Friendships begun in those early days continue more than two decades later.

“You cannot be a stranger here.”

Perhaps that is part of the magic. Residents, students, volunteers, employees and visitors, people from different countries and walks of life, bring different experiences, ideas and abilities. Common ground is found, connections are made and, sometimes, those connections become friendships that last for years.

Bringing our story to a live audience

There were plenty of nerves alongside the excitement of premiere night. Standing on a stage and sharing something personal takes courage, and for many of those presenting, stepping outside their comfort zone became part of the experience.

“Seeing the documentary and hearing everyone's stories was incredibly moving. Looking back, it is one of my most memorable experiences in my 18 years at Camphill Blair Drummond, and I am so glad I pushed myself to be part of it.”

And some of the most memorable moments of all came from seeing our residents and students take their own place on the stage.

Taking centre stage

There were nerves, proud families, a few tears and plenty of encouragement. Looking back at Camphill Blair Drummond on the big screen brought a real sense of pride too. But what comes through most strongly from their reflections is how it felt to take their own place on the stage: nervous at first, supported by those around them and proud that they had done it. For some, one turn on stage was simply not enough.

“I was really proud of myself for going on the stage and speaking. I even got to take a selfie with the crowd. I want to do it again, maybe for the 60 years anniversary.”
Stephen

For Ryan, encouragement from everyone around him helped turn those initial nerves into excitement.

“I was really nervous at first about doing it but everyone was cheering me on and once I did it I wanted to do it again. I loved being on the stage and my Mum was really happy I got to mention her.”
Ryan

Charlie was equally nervous, but his reflection captures something else about the evening: the emotion of watching friends share their stories too.

“I ended up crying watching my friends on the stage because of the nice things they said. I was really really nervous, but I did it!”
Charlie

And Chris seems to have discovered that the stage is exactly where he belongs.

“I am born to be on the stage. My Dad got to see me on the stage. Everyone did such a good job, everyone was in the Camphill spirit.”
Chris

Their reflections capture something at the heart of the evening: people taking a risk, encouraging one another, sharing something personal and feeling proud of what they achieved together.

A story that belongs to many

The people who stood on stage at the MacRobert Arts Centre helped bring our story to a live audience, but the documentary belongs to many more: those who appear in the film and the countless people who have been part of Camphill Blair Drummond over the past five decades.

Fifty years cannot be captured through dates and milestones alone. Our story lives in friendships and families, love and laughter, challenges and opportunities, and the everyday moments that connect people and create a sense of belonging.

Above all, the documentary celebrates the many people who have made Camphill Blair Drummond the community it is today.