THE EARTH BENEATH MARGARET’S FEET
11 min · UK · 2025
Broadcast date TBC | BBC Two Wales
Through the potato, Romani director Lisa Smith explores her grandmother’s memories and uncovers a network of undocumented stopping places from her family’s nomadic past.
Synopsis:
"I'm making a documentary to tell our story," says Lisa.
Margaret responds, “Well, we’ve got to do something to show that we’re alive, that we still exist.”A tribute to 76-year-old Margaret Smith—a former nomadic potato picker—this film captures the significance of seasonal work, community, and cultural memory in a coastal Welsh village once filled with Romani families.
Written, Directed & Produced by: Lisa Smith
Written & Produced by: Jason Smith
Cast: Margaret Smith
Executive Producers: Ruth Woodward (BBC Cymru Wales), Jude Lister (BFI Network Wales)
Editor: Sophie Pollock
Post Production: Rondo Media & Indigo Post© Patrin Films, 2025
Special Thanks:
Brigid O’Shea, Aleksandra Bilic, Clare & Graham Perkins, Veronika Patockova