The Work They Say is Mine
‘The Work They Say is Mine’ celebrates women's central role in the past and present of Shetland life. Interviews, dramatisation, fantasy, music and songs written and performed by local women are textured and woven together to form a montage of women's lives as intricate and colourful as the knitting for which the islands are famous. Crofting, fishing and knitting are all part of their lives' rich tapestry, although history, as usual, denies us access to herstory. The film, however, does not dwell on this injustice but chooses instead to present and represent the enormous contributions of women to the work, heritage, culture and spirit of the islands.
– Tricia Jenkins
The overwhelming impression left by this film is of courage, endurance and sheer spirit.
– Ann Ross Muir, The Guardian
One is left with an image of powerful women who worked the land, gutted the fish, cut the peats, bore the children and threaded their stories into fine knitwear; women who had a hand in every aspect of island life. The question which remains unanswered is how they have come to be so ignored.
– Yvonne Baginsky, The Scotsman
Description source: Circles catalogue (1987). Edited by Jenny Holland and Jane Harris.
