On 18 February 2005, the Hunting Act came into enforcement – fox hunting was now illegal. Yet, Denise Ward (writer and producer) and other ordinary people who live in the apparently tranquil and idyllic countryside continue to find their lives barbarically disturbed and shattered by hounds in a frenzied chase of wild animals. A Minority Pastime is an on-the-ground documentary following the daily encounters between Hunts Masters, their groups and viewers, and those others who have something to say – countryside residents, hunt saboteurs and monitor groups. Denise’s investigations reveal an untold story behind this great British tradition, and raise poignant questions about the morality and, indeed, legality of this minority pastime.
Directed By: Michael Dixon
Written and Produced by: Denise Ward
Narrated by: Sir Patrick Stewart