Grasping the Nettle

Synopsis

Nettles are a plant that many of us are familiar with. They sting our bare legs, invade our gardens and swamp our footpaths. Yet for filmmaker, Mairi Eyres, there is something about this unloved plant that captures her imagination. Could there be more to their story? She sets off on a journey to find out, building an unusual piece of camera equipment along the way, and meeting the people who can show her a different side to the nettle. There’s Liam, the Northern Irish farmer who plants them; Ali who searches for the magic in urban nettles; and Nettle Girl, a nine-year-old child with no fear of their sting. What can they all teach her about the way she sees the nettle? With beautiful imagery and touching characters, this film is a call to examine the way we view nature, and to appreciate the wonders right on our doorstep.