Join us for an online Q&A with journalist Jessica Bruder to discuss Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century, the inspiration for the film (screening at Watershed from Wed 19 May - Thu 3 June) directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Frances McDormand that has won awards for Best Picture at the Oscars® and Best Film at this year's BAFTAs.

From the beetroot fields of North Dakota to the campgrounds of California to Amazon’s Camper Force program in Texas, employers in the US have discovered a new, low-cost labour pool, made up largely of transient older adults. These invisible casualties of the Great Recession have taken to the road by the tens of thousands in RVs and modified vans, forming a growing community of nomads.

In conversation with Andrew Kelly, director of Bristol Ideas, Bruder will be discussing the dark underbelly of the American economy – one which foreshadows the precarious future that may await many more of us – and celebrates the exceptional resilience and creativity of people who have given up ordinary rootedness to survive, but have not given up hope.

There will also be an opportunity for you to submit your questions during the Q&A and details on how to do this will be sent prior to the event.

You can buy Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century from Waterstones.

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