The Alphabeticians
The Alphabeticians is a cinematic observational documentary following a turning point in the life of Lida Cardozo Kindersley, who runs the UK’s leading workshop of letter cutting in stone.
Lida has poured her soul into the workshop, which she inherited from her husband and former teacher David, for nearly half a century. Approaching seventy, she is preparing to hand the workshop on to her apprentices. This time of change offers a portal to deeper themes: what significance do heritage crafts have today? What legacies are we passing to future generations?
Sifting symbolism and memory, the film shares a lasting reminder of the power of relationships and the resilience of creative spirit.
More Stills
Director Statement: From the moment I set foot in the workshop, it began to work its magic on me. Visiting for a brief separate project, I was struck by the visual potential, the history and the people, and quickly a film idea crystallised.
The space itself is perfectly intriguing. Walls are covered with traces of history, mysterious phrases, and many faces – often David’s who founded the workshop. Then I met Lida, who has that rare passion and charisma that draws you in.
On a deeper level, there is an urgent theme I wanted the project to reflect on. How can we expand our awareness to see ourselves as part of a lineage of inheritance and ancestry to future generations?
The craft itself invited a visual style I had wanted to develop. Using mostly static, locked-off shots I think puts viewers’ attention into a different mode. It mimics the subject: sometimes careful, sometimes bold, and hopefully will have longevity just as the stones do. The edit also aims to give space for the themes to emerge for viewers, while everyday moments inject humour and curiosity and keep the film grounded.
The workshop team not only welcomed me, but also motivated me through their perseverance and patience in their carving. It solidified my understanding that the process is as important as the product. I hope The Alphabeticians invites people to reflect on the legacies we leave to the future and to pursue their creative passions.
