A STUNNING new film about Dartmoor, together with an exhibition telling the story of its making, will be on show at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton throughout October.

'Wild River, Cold Stone' — charting the history of Dartmoor and its people — is the result of a two year collaboration between local filmmakers Chris Chapman and Kate King.

The film, which captures the true spirit of Dartmoor through its use of music, poetry and stunning imagery has been described as '...a gentle and fascinating look at a very special environment — which will be valued by all who see it.'

Alongside the screening, an exhibition illustrating the story behind the production is showing — giving viewers a valuable insight into the many different stories and characters who contributed to the project's success.

Filmmaker Chris Chapman said: 'Kate and I met during the Foot and Mouth crisis of 2001 when we worked on a series of interviews with people close to the tragedy.

'Kate heard about the possibility of a new film about Dartmoor, something that I had long wanted to do, and together we embarked on the long road of raising the money and the means of producing it.

'We started filming in July 2007 with the idea of covering the seasons. However, film-making is an organic process and as we archived the material a new shape of film emerged.

'We didn't want a presenter or a documentary style, so we chose to film local people and let them tell their story.

'Local poet Alice Oswald, whose wonderful poem "Dart" describes so beautifully the heart of the moor, lyricist Seth Lakeman and musician Nigel Shaw have all collaborated on the project to give us a haunting insight into Dartmoor's myths and legends.'

The Museum of Dartmoor Life opened in 1982 when a group of volunteers raised funds to purchase the site and its empty, derelict buildings.

Having opened to the public, over the years further enhancements and additions to displays, galleries and facilities have won the museum awards for its contribution to Dartmoor's history.

The exhibition runs from October 3 to 31 from 10.30am to 4pm (Monday to Saturday). Admission charge to the exhibition is £1.

For further details telephone the Museum of Dartmoor Life on 01837 52295 or visit http://www.museumofdartmoorlife.eclipse.co.uk">www.museumofdartmoorlife.eclipse.co.uk