Life On The Deben + Live Q&A with Tim Curtis

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MADE IN EAST ANGLIA

Filmed on the River Deben in Suffolk.

This showing will be followed by a live audience Q&A with filmmaker Tim Curtis.

Tim Curtis is an acclaimed Suffolk-based independent filmmaker whose work captures the rich history, landscapes, and human stories of East Anglia. Renowned for his evocative storytelling and immersive visual style, Curtis has directed a number of celebrated films that resonate deeply with local and wider audiences alike. His documentary Life On The Deben (2017) offers a compelling journey along one of Suffolk’s most iconic rivers, while Fire Over Shingle Street (2025) explores the enduring mystery and wartime lore of the Suffolk coast. In Stanley’s War (2018) Curtis brings to life the poignant experiences of a young Suffolk Regiment soldier during World War I, weaving drama and historical depth into a moving narrative. Through his work, Tim Curtis has established himself as a powerful voice in regional filmmaking, preserving the spirit and stories with authenticity and artistic flair.

For a river just over 25 miles long, the Deben packs a mighty punch in terms of tranquil beauty, ever changing scenery and astonishing history.  Broadcaster & journalist John McCarthy and Woodbridge based film-maker Tim Curtis embark on a journey into the Deben’s rich past, looking at its geography, environment and the influence the river has had over the people who have lived by its banks.  

“Life on the Deben” traces the entire length of the Deben, from the secret and disputed upper reaches near Debenham to the boatyards and bustle of Woodbridge down to the sea at Bawdsey and Felixstowe Ferry.  Recent discoveries have shown that the river Deben was a far more significant Anglo-Saxon region than was first thought.  We meet the real-life detectorists and the leading archaeologists who reveal what has been found at Rendlesham.  

The film features wildlife and conservation along the river and looks at daily life past and present, including boat building, sailing, farming, fishing, milling and even smuggling.  

Director 

Tim Curtis

Presenter

John McCarthy

Made in East Anglia Festival is sponsored by