A collaborative live documentary by Palestinian artist and filmmaker Saeed Taji Farouky exploring protest, policing, political activism and the representation of Palestinian resistance in Britain.
Rather than making the film behind closed doors, The Land of Common Disgrace Vol. 2 unfolds over several days at SD Projects, bringing together collective set-building, live filmmaking and devised theatre, treating filmmaking as a social and collaborative process.
Activists who have been on trial for direct action will work together and with members of the public to build a re-creation of the witness box, as well as to develop and stage filmed re-enactment of parts of their trials.
The Land of Common Disgrace Vol. 2 moves between testimony, reconstruction, conversation, performance and live filmmaking and you, as audience, are welcome to be as involved as you want: help build the set, watch the documentary being filmed, listen or take part in conversation.
You might arrive while a wall is being built, a camera is being positioned, a conversation is taking place, or a scene is being developed. No filmmaking, theatre or building experience is needed, and you are welcome to drop in and stay as long as you'd like.
The Land of Common Disgrace Vol. 2 is commissioned by SD Projects & Folkestone Documentary Festival for Folkestone Documentary Festival 2026 in partnership with Screen South. The event is supported by Folkestone Is A Library.
SCHEDULE
- Tuesday 20 October 10:00am - 3:00pm Collective set building | 4:00pm - 5:00pm Read subversive texts with us
- Wednesday 21 October, 10am–6pm: Collective set build
- Thursday 22 October, 9am–5pm: Live Documentary filming & set destruction
Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 October, 10am–6pm
Collective set build
Drop in any time; no tickets or reservations are necessary to help us design and build the set. No previous construction or design experience is required, and we will give you an induction to the use of basic tools. You can get hands-on, stay for a conversation, watch the process or move between different activities.
If you have more experience with DIY tools, we’d love you to volunteer to be part of the core construction team. All we require is a commitment to a time slot and a collaborative and friendly spirit. Please fill in this simple form with your availability and skills.
On October 20th complimentary to the day of filming activists, the artist invites members of the public to participate in their own small act of rebellion. Over distorted footage from previous filming sessions, audience members are invited to sit with the artist and each read a paragraph of subversive text. Together, 20 audience members collectively complete the text, building a moment of subversion, political education, and solidarity. No preparation or prior sign-up is required, but those who would like to read are asked to sit near the stage.
Thursday 22 October, 9am–5pm
Live Documentary filming & final set destruction
Drop in any time to witness the making of the documentary and stay until the end for the final dismantle.
About Saeed Taji Farouky
Saeed Taji Farouky is a Palestinian artist and filmmaker whose work has explored conflict, human rights and anti-imperialism since 2005. Alongside filmmaking, he teaches and leads workshops around alternative and collective approaches to cinema and is the designer and lead tutor of the Radical Film School. @cinemasaeed
About SD Projects
SD Projects is a research-led architecture and design studio that brings academic inquiry into direct relationship with the built environment. The Studio approaches design as a way of producing and applying knowledge: investigating how materials, places, communities, and cultural histories can inform more sustainable and inclusive ways of building. Commissioned projects are both practical and investigative, providing opportunities to test ideas through buildings, public spaces, materials, and cultural programmes. sdprojects.uk
If you have had interactions with the police or legal system as a result of advocacy for Palestine, we would like to hear from you. If this is you, or you know someone who may be open to being part of this project, please send a message to suzanne@sdprojects.uk. Any initial conversation can be informal and confidential.
About Screen South
Screen South is a project-led organisation focusing on promoting new ideas, engaging audiences, and delivering excellence and opportunity for all.
We work with partners across a range of digital and creative projects in arts, heritage, and on screen. We have a drive to bring hidden stories, talent, and ideas to the public gaze, nurturing good relationships with people and partners locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
We focus on nurturing a diverse range of new talent with training and progression as well as generating new productions, showcases and exhibitions.
Project Trailer:
