In a northern, former industrial town on the outskirts of a city, the residents have become used to their public services and way of life falling apart. After years of austerity two young activists decide to take a stand.  

 

Against the backdrop of a recently closed allotment, Maeve, a lifelong resident of the town, and Luca, a Romanian immigrant who has fallen on hard times, mount a protest to save their green spaces and, in doing so, revive their town’s sense of community. It is only when the council sends an enforcement officer to close down their protest, Maeve’s boyfriend Harry, that the pair begin to realise their town may not want saving, and they are alone in their fight.  

 

Grassroots is a raw, naturalistic look at the degradation of so-called British culture that shines a light on gentrification and protest. Interwoven with the story of a young couple torn in two by their priorities, Grassroots tells a personal story of political choices and asks the question: what and who do we leave behind as we move on?