Devon’s countryside, farming communities and extraordinary wildlife are heading to cinema screens nationwide in a new feature-length documentary that promises humour, heart and plenty of spirited disagreement.
Released in UK cinemas from 2 October 2026, Derek vs Derek follows two neighbouring Devon farmers who share the same first name- but very different ideas about how the countryside should be managed.
Two Devon Farmers, Two Very Different Visions
On a quiet country road in Devon live Derek Banbury and Derek Gow.
Derek Banbury is an intensive dairy farmer committed to producing food efficiently and maintaining productive farmland. On the other side of the hedge, former sheep farmer and prominent rewilder Derek Gow is transforming his land into a haven for wildlife.
One sees productive fields and food production as the priority. The other is restoring habitats, creating wetlands and bringing wildlife back to the landscape. Unsurprisingly, they do not always see eye to eye.
Filmed over three years, Derek vs Derek charts their turbulent yet often funny relationship as tempers rise, wild animals escape and the land around them begins to change.
Described by its makers as “blunt, funny and heartwarming in equal measure”, the documentary examines some of the biggest questions facing Britain’s countryside without losing sight of the personalities, humour and humanity at the centre of the story.
Devon’s Living Landscape on the Big Screen
With its patchwork fields, ancient hedgerows, wooded valleys and working farms, Devon provides much more than a beautiful backdrop to the film.
Agriculture has shaped the county’s landscape, communities and traditions for generations. Today, Devon remains home to thousands of farms alongside nature reserves, conservation projects and a growing number of landowners exploring regenerative agriculture and nature recovery.
The county is also rich in wildlife. Its rivers, wetlands, moorland, woodland and coastline support an enormous variety of species, while pioneering projects have helped return animals including beavers to parts of the Devon landscape.
Derek vs Derek captures the complicated relationship between farming and nature through the experiences of two people living and working side by side. Rather than presenting the countryside as something fixed or untouched, it reveals it as a living landscape- one continually shaped by the decisions of those who care for it.
Farming, Rewilding and the Future of the Countryside
At the heart of the documentary is a debate that reaches far beyond one Devon country lane: how can Britain produce enough food while also responding to habitat loss, declining biodiversity and a changing climate?
Derek Gow, who has become widely known for his work with beavers and other native species, is turning his former farm into an oasis for nature. His neighbour, Derek Banbury, approaches the land from the perspective of an intensive dairy farmer focused on food production.
Their disagreements cover everything from hedge cutting and wild boar to storks and the meaning of farming itself. However, the film is not simply about choosing a winner.
By allowing both men to express their beliefs, frustrations and experiences, director James Dawson creates a thoughtful portrait of rural life and the strongly held views found within it. The result is a film about farming told by farmers, filled with characteristically dry rural humour and some surprisingly moving moments.
The film has already attracted praise during its international festival tour. Isabella Tree described it as “hilarious while at the same time being empathetic and incredibly powerful”, adding that everyone interested in restoring the planet should see it.
An audience member at Sheffield DocFest praised the film for never patronising its subjects, while another viewer said the screening left people discussing what they could do at home.
An Independent Film with Devon at Its Heart
Directed by award-winning filmmaker James Dawson and produced by Serena Kennedy, Derek vs Derek was independently made with support from The Redford Center, donations, goodwill and a considerable contribution from the film’s own team.
Interest has already been considerable. The official trailer has attracted more than 700,000 views, while screening enquiries have come from cinema chains, independent venues and local farming groups.
Although firmly rooted in Devon, the questions raised by the documentary are relevant to rural communities across the country. The filmmakers hope the cinema release will encourage conversations between farmers, conservationists and audiences about food security, land use, wildlife and climate change.
A wider television audience is also expected when the documentary is broadcast by the BBC in September 2027. Before then, the team intends to take the film directly to farmers and rural communities around the UK.
Where to See Derek vs Derek in Devon
The film will be released in cinemas nationwide from 2 October 2026, with a number of previews, question-and-answer events and community screenings also planned.
Devon screenings are listed in locations including Torrington, Totnes, Exeter, Chagford, Okehampton, Ashprington, Plymouth, Bantham and Newton Abbot. New dates and venues may continue to be added, so viewers should check the official Derek vs Derek cinema listings for the latest information and booking links.
Whether you are interested in farming, wildlife, rewilding or simply enjoy an entertaining story about two strong Devon characters, Derek vs Derek offers a funny, thoughtful and timely look at the future of the countryside.