How Long Is “This Filthy Earth”?

British independent filmmaker Andrew Kotting directed this drama that was loosely inspired by a novel by Emile Zola. Francine (Rebecca Palmer) and her sister, Kath (Demelza Randall), inherited their family's farm after the death of their parents, and together they've worked hard to keep the farm productive and profitable. Kath is a single mother whose boyfriend, Buto (Shane Attwool), has a unpredictable and sometimes violent disposition. Kath loves Buto, but his past behavior has earned the enmity of Francine, and she's not at all happy when Kath announces that Buto has finally asked for her hand in marriage. While Kath is delighted about the upcoming nuptials, it turns out Francine was right not to trust her future brother-in-law, as Buto's interest in marrying Kath is primarily motivated by a desire to lay claim to their farm. This Filthy Earth was screened in competition at the 2001 Edinburgh Film Festival.