Documentary on mine explorers set for national tour

The team behind an independent documentary following a group of mine explorers in Cornwall says the reception from audiences has been "overwhelming".

Filmmaker Dan Simpkins spent two years with the group, who call themselves the Carbis Bay Crew, as they climbed down into the abandoned tunnels and shafts left by Cornwall's historic mining industry.

The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay has been so popular with Cornish audiences that more screenings have been arranged to cope with demand.

The documentary won a prestigious award at its film festival premiere and will now go on a national tour next month.

The Carbis Bay Crew, who share their adventures on social media, are quick to point out it is a dangerous hobby and they take care not to reveal the exact location of the old mine workings that they explore.

All the crew go through a strict safety training regime before heading underground.

Simpkins said he was delighted at the response from audiences when the film was screened in local cinemas. "We hoped the film would resonate, but the response has been overwhelming," he said.

"Seeing screenings sell out and new towns asking to host the film has been incredibly moving - it speaks to how universal this story really is."

The film's editor, Angus Breton, said: "They are old mine workings and they are very dramatic environments so there is a bit of danger and excitement in the film.

"I think that's really the crux of it because when they're down there, taking risks together, that's when everything else melts away and they can really find this kind of peace.

"When you're down a mine shaft with your life on the line, you're not worried about your bills, you're not worried about that little argument with your wife the night before, it all just goes away and you can find that quietness that everyone is looking for."

As well as delighting Cornish audiences, the documentary won the Best Adventure & Exploration award at the Kendal Mountain Festival in Cumbria last November.

It has been selected to be one of the pieces on show for the Kendal Mountain Festival Tour across the UK in February and April.

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