GLOBAL DATA
DIRECTORATE
LAYERS OF MEMORY
Staffordshire through the lens and artwork of Julia Ellen Humphreys.
INFORMATION
The film explores Julia Ellen Humphrey's life and artistic journey, highlighting Julia's work and the positive impact it has on local communities through archival footage and heartfelt interviews with family, friends, and colleagues. It captures her creative milestones while addressing her struggles, including significant moments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filmed on the Shugborough Hall Estate in partnership with Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG).
The Global Data Directorate supported the production by working alongside Shugborough Estate staff and rangers to secure access to restricted locations, including the Arcadia Gardens, on-site wildlife, and other exclusive areas.
The Global Data Directorate is also providing distribution support upon the film's official release.
PRODUCTION STILLS
QUOTES FROM BEN CAUSIER
"Initially the production started out to be the final year submission for my film and media course at Stafford College. Eventually, as the film progressed we began to see the potential this Documentary has to offer."
"As the research into Julia Ellen Humphreys life progressed, the art and the meaning behind all of it, there was a deeper and powerful story there..."
"A beautiful aspect of this Documentary is it's ability to inspire others in the Staffordshire area... Maybe to even go speak to Julia, see her artwork, get a bit more creative side of things going in the Stafford area, because there is so much creative spirit."
"You've got so much negativity going on in the world right now. So it was nice to bring something to the big screen, that's focused on positive individuals, especially around their local area."
"It's been surprisingly very simple to produce compared to a lot of the bigger productions. I think that's what's so sweet about, you know, keeping it low-key... It's very intimate which carries over to how individuals within the Documentary talk, and present themselves in it."
DOCUMENTARY PARTNERS
DOCUMENTARY AWARDS
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'Layers of Memory' 2026 Documentary received the Stafford College (NSCG) 'Best Documentary' award.
The Documentary received positive feedback for its cinematography, engagement, archival footage and factual storytelling. James Nicholls stated "This is a really compelling story, considering I do not know anybody in it and I was engaged until the end".
Following its success and recognition, Layers of Memory continues to demonstrate the power of local storytelling and community collaboration. The Global Data Directorate looks forward to hosting public screenings and making the documentary accessible to wider audiences across Staffordshire and beyond upon its official release.