Film short abstract:

From the Cubby is an ethnographic film series exploring homelessness and TB in the UK. Filmed over six years, it follows the lives of individuals caught up in an outbreak of TB. Part 1, The Traveller's Tale is an extraordinary story exploring the context of TB taking hold in a community.

Film long abstract:

The Traveller's Tale explores the context of tuberculosis taking hold in a community. It documents the life and death of informal educator Martin. In a spirited attempt to educate the public around homelessness, Martin takes the filmmaker on a nerve-rattling journey. Acting as gatekeeper to the rough sleeping community in Canterbury England, Martin introduces the filmmaker to the local street population, guides him through encampments, and offers insights into his heritage. When Martin disappears on Christmas Day, circumstances are harrowing and mysterious. Martin leaves behind a breadcrumb trail of clues, leading to Canterbury Cathedral, where an iconic sculpture springs to life with new meaning. At the end of the tale, the filmmaker is left contemplating the symbolism of a black cat stuffed inside a guitar bag. Meanwhile, Martin’s closest friend Nick is on the run from drug dealers. As an emergency measure, fleeing violence and faced with no other options, Nick seeks sanctuary in the filmmaker’s home unknowingly setting the stage for an outbreak of tuberculosis.

Building on six years of fieldwork, this film is part of the wider 'From the Cubby' project that uses a blend of methodologies to address barriers that many tuberculosis patients face. It provides insights into lives on the brink, challenges of conducting research with vulnerable populations, and a contribution to participatory and publicly engaged academia. Nicholas, the co-director bringing lived experiences of rough sleeping whilst simultaneously attempting to recover from tuberculosis.