The Open Road: The Eel's Tale at Standard Quay

Drawing upon the radical structure and spirit of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, The Eel’s Tale is a multi-species portrait of the lives found in Kent’s wetlands.

Inspired by the migratory story of the European eel in its journey from the Sargasso Sea to the rivers of Kent, The Eel’s Tale explores how a creature defined by journeys across national borders, changing environments, and bodily transformation can redefine how we understand our place in the world. Considering the borders that separate us from each other, the land, and our multispecies kin, the film asks: “Are we free to move?”

Book a ticket to receive event reminders and important updates. The film will be screened on a loop between 10:00 - 16:00 and booking in advance is not required.

The Eel’s Tale has been commissioned by Cement Fields and FLAMIN (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network) for the The Open Road – a series of new artists moving image works reimagining the age-old tale of a journey taken, weaving together new stories loosely inspired by The Canterbury Tales.

The Open Road is commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella, The Amelia Scott, Cement Fields, FLAMIN, Forma, and Three Rivers. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Image: Sam Williams, The Eel's Tale (film still), 2025. Courtesy of the artist.