“For anyone who loves animals this film is a ‘must see’. It takes an objective look into the cruel world of fox hunting and the people who continue to break the law in order to satisfy their lust for animal blood. A real eye opener. You owe it to yourselfand to wildlife to see this powerful film.” Michael Groth Producer/Presenter the AM Show.
“I wanted to drop you a quick line to say how impressed I was, from beginning to end it had me utterly captivated and moved. Nisa you were brilliant, perfect in fact and ‘made’ the film. I cried, laughed and had my breath taken away in all the right places. As a filmmaker, I know that to say “this film took a lot of work”, would be a ridiculous understatement, and so I take my hat off to you and all involved.” Ella Todd Environment Films
“Last night, we were given the opportunity to watch the latest edit of the film, which currently runs to 100 minutes. It is, quite simply, superb. It is at the same time thought provoking, depressing, amusing and scathingly honest. Reflecting on the film afterwards, we felt a bit like Michael Caine at the end of the Italian Job. They’d only intended to ‘blow the bloody doors off’ the hunting world and yet have gone far, far further. They expose the shocking behaviour of hunts, their masters and supporters, up and down the country. The abuse, violence, bloody-mindedness and propaganda are all laid bare. Hounds are run over, monitors are punched and thrown into ditches, the film crew is told that what they need is “a bloody good shagging”. Any notion that the hunting community is decent and respectful will be dispelled by this brilliant film.”League Against Cruel Sports
‘an excellent film’ Graham Brough of The Daily Mirror
(David Cameron) “would have been humbled by this film, and then be on the same wavelength as those who oppose foxhunting.” He has had a big opportunity missed if only he had come along today. His “U” turn decision on foxhunting would make headlines, it would be on all the front pages, and show the chap is a humane human.” Colin Dexter, author of Inspector Morse, at private screening at Witney.
“It was very moving in all sorts of ways and really opened my eyes to what’s going on. I also thought the film was incredibly well made, and really do hope it gets some awards – it deserves to.”
Tim Andrewes. Green Party Candidate for St Ives
“My friend and neighbor invited me to attend. I accepted the invitation, not because I was anti-hunting but to offer my support in case the turnout was poor. I found myself watching in horror and disbelief at the level of pleasure shown by the hunters and the hunt followers when a ‘kill’ happened. Grown people taking pleasure from witnessing a living creature being ripped apart by hounds, leaping and whooping for joy when the kill was announced. I feel very disturbed by this.” Gareth Smith
“Very thought provoking film. A shocking insight into the tyranny of this so called traditional practice. I felt disturbed by the barbarity shown and left with a feeling of complete despair at the authorities turning a blind eye” Nina Kiernander
“Just got in from canvassing for Labour in Hastings Old Town and watching A Minority Pastime at our local independent cinema, The Electric Palace. Many thanks for the local Hunt Saboteurs for making it possible for the film to be shown for free. The documentary follows the journey taken by Nisa Ward as she makes it her business to learn about bloodsports after she personally witnessed a local hunt and the death and destruction they cause. The film’s frame is that she is writing a letter to Conservative Party leader David Cameron asking him why he supports the repeal of the Hunting Act 2004. The film shows well the role of hunt monitors tackling the challenge of documenting hunts and their activities. It also vividly documents the arrogance of the hunt toward anyone who dares to question them. Bloodsports is no longer an issue of animal welfare. It is a class issue of the bloodsports class who do not like being told they can no longer do something that they believe they are entitled to do. Congratulations and thanks to the filmmakers!” Kim Stallwood
“I commend the courage of the people who have made this film.” Carol Wiltshire
“I feel deeply upset after watching the film but at the same time thankful that it is exposing these issues” Anna Slater
“I’ve watched it four times now.. I’m still amazed. In particular, the cubbing footage you managed to capture, and Stephen Harris’s observations are extremely powerful viewing… I mentioned to you that I’d invited my local police wildlife crime officers – they said they could only stay for an hour before the film started, but they were engrossed by it and stayed to chat afterwards… They were genuinely shocked at what you had managed to capture – it’s brilliant how you have opened their eyes, thank you.” Julie Lee
THIS startling new feature-length documentary highlights the issues surrounding hunting with hounds and how ordinary people are often adversely affected by it. The film was started by Nisa Ward, on a shoestring budget, after the tranquillity of her idyllic Cotswolds hamlet was twice shattered by invasions from out of control hounds chasing wild animals. She began by investigating similar incidents. Nisa reveals an untold story – of ordinary people who find their peace and security ruined by hunt intrusion. Penwith resident Amanda Richardson speaks movingly of how her beloved pet cat was literally torn to pieces by hounds from the Western Hunt in 2009. The near despairing accounts of a Midlands couple and a single lady goat farmer from Devon, who seem unable to gain any relief from constant intrusion, are equally arresting.The conduct of hunting since the ban in 2005 is also examined. Experienced monitors’ testimony and footage raise serious questions as whether hunts really are, as they claim, acting within the current law. Nisa gives the hunters ample opportunities to explain their behaviour, but the accumulation of hideous images and contrary testimony so skilfully interwoven powerfully contradicts them.” Alan Kirby and Nina Johnson The Cornishman
“Last night we put on a screening of A Minority Pastime, a new documentary about fox hunting and the thuggish behaviour of hunters towards hunt monitors, saboteurs and other residents of the countryside. Though the aggressive behaviour of hunters won’t come as news to those with experience of sabbing, the film demonstrates well for newcomers the assaults, threats and name-calling regularly dished out by hunters, and their arrogance in riding roughshod over people’s land. It also shows the police’s collusion with the hunting fraternity, refusing to enforce the so-called ban on fox hunting and instead spending their time harrassing hunt saboteurs.” Sheffield Animal Friends
“Like most city dwellers I’ve always been instinctively against fox hunting. But considering fox-hunters were so passionately opposed to the hunting ban I always imagined I wasn’t well enough informed about it. Then last week I saw a documentary which made up my mind. Called A Minority Pastime, it is about hunting and hunt saboteurs. It contained some very disturbing footage. One scene showed a fox cowering in terror and letting out what sounded like a scream as the hounds set upon it – to whoops of delight from the foxhunters. There were also pictures of dead foxes, their guts hanging out, held up as trophies by grinning huntsmen.
Of course, this is supposed to have been outlawed. Huntsmen and women now pursue drag hunting, where they follow a scent rather than a fox. But they became very hostile and secretive when the hunt sabs – all who behaved peacefully – arrived with their cameras. The saboteurs were intimidated, threatened, pushed and shoved. If the hunters were only drag hunting, what did they have to fear? I’m not a vegetarian and I’m not against testing cancer drugs on monkeys. But killing foxes serves no purpose. And there is something chilling about people taking pleasure from it. I’m now convinced that the ban shouldn’t be reversed. It should be strengthened. Stephen Blease News and Star
“I’m absolutely stunned by the film. I knew it would be hard to watch but I still was not prepared for the impact and my first attempt ended after a minute or two, through floods of tears.
The sickening reality hits you straight away, no warning. Just as it did for those of us who have had first hand experience. I think that people who have never really had to address the truth will find the film disturbing in the extreme. They cannot fail to be moved. I think you’ve struck exactly the right note. Norma Crumpton Contributor
I just wanted to say thank you for the link oto Minority Pastime. After I’d watched it I automatically added the link to my status and asked my friends and family to watch it. It’s an incredibly moving documentary and I would just like to say well done on such a great job 
If the movie ever came out on general release on dvd I’d be in the queue to buy it. Wayne Taylor
I watched Minority Pastime online earlier today. Thank you so much Denise Ward, and everyone else involved, you are an inspiration. I shall make sure i can get as many people as possible to watch this fantastic documentary and pass it on to others xx Keep up the great work! Kat Wain
“A brilliant but disturbing film showing the horrific truth about hunting with dogs and the equally horrific people who participate in this vile so-called ‘sport’. A brave film made by a courageous lady.” Billycat on Indiemoviesonline
I cannot believe the utter disregard for not only the foxes and hounds but the members of the public. The danger that is placed on the roads and on peoples property is inexcusable. I am pleased that the film has given a voice to the people of the rural communities who have to put up with the hunts affecting their day to day lives, it finally breaks the stereotypical views dividing urban and rural people and makes the point that it really is a minority who want the ban lifted! I also respect the fact that the film tried to capture both sides of the story but the fact you were met with a great deal of hostility from the hunt supporters says it all really! I agree, a brave film and I will ensure that I spread the word. Fae_25 on Indiemoviesonline
