Introduction:
At the heart of this short documentary is a pioneering community where 26 women over 50 are rewriting the script on ageing. Offering rare access to the UK’s first co-housing project of its kind, the film explores how mutual support, independence, and collective purpose can reshape later life.
Inspiration:
The idea for New Ground came from my own experience of living in an intergenerational housing co-operative in central London, where 73 people live collectively and cooperatively. Until recently, I shared my home with a 90-year-old woman who was one of the original squatters in Bonnington Square in the 1980s. Although I have since moved, our daily life together showed me the value of cross-generational living.
When I discovered New Ground, I immediately connected with its residents: a group of women who had chosen to grow older in solidarity rather than isolation. I wanted to explore ageing, autonomy, community and care because their story challenges conventional ideas about later life. The film offers a hopeful example of how older generations might live with greater independence, connection and control over their own futures.
The Process:
Filming began in June 2024, with most of the project shot over three days at the community in north London. During this initial period, we filmed with each of the main contributors separately, creating intimate portraits of their individual lives and experiences. However, we knew the film also needed a scene that brought the women together and captured the collective spirit of the community.
Coordinating this proved more difficult than expected, as everyone travelled at different times throughout the summer. We eventually returned to film the group scene in September. The delay ultimately became creatively useful, giving us time to begin editing, understand what was working and identify what the film still needed.
One of my favourite moments developed entirely by chance. Hedi wanted to play a cassette but told us that her cassette player was broken. Our cinematographer, Theo Tennant, managed to fix it for her, and the scene unfolded naturally from there. It was not planned but became a tender and beautiful scene – an example of the unexpected moments that often make observational documentary filmmaking so rewarding.
The film was made possible by a small and incredibly dedicated crew, whose sensitivity, patience and creative instincts helped shape every stage of the process. I feel very fortunate to have worked with creatives who approached the women and their stories with such care.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Being selected as a finalist at Worcester Film Festival is a meaningful recognition of both the film and the women who trusted us with their stories. It is especially rewarding to see a quiet, intimate documentary about ageing, community and alternative ways of living resonate with audiences and programmers. For me, the selection helps bring greater visibility to the film’s themes and encourages a wider conversation about how we support, house and value older generations.
Where to Watch / Follow:
You can follow New Ground on Instagram at @newground_film for festival news, screening updates and future opportunities to watch the film. To follow my upcoming documentary projects, visit www.louisarechenbach.com. You can also learn more about the community through the book Our Later Years, written by the women of New Ground and published by Bloomsbury.
About The Author
