The inaugural preview of Mark Jenkin’s ethereal time travel film, “Rose of Nevada,” was met with overwhelming support from an attentive audience in the Cornish fishing village of Newlyn. Despite the warm reception, Jenkin expressed a sense of unease about presenting his work to a familiar crowd and participating in a Q&A session among locals.<\/p>\n
“This is the greatest town in the world,” stated Jenkin, a native of Newlyn. “I view Cornwall as the epicenter of the universe. However, screenings in Cornwall make me the most anxious. While I cannot dictate how viewers will perceive the film, I strive to ensure the authenticity of my work. If the local audience perceives a lack of authenticity, it would be disheartening. The Cornish audience holds the utmost significance for me.”<\/p>\n
Jenkin has gained acclaim in recent years for his gritty, Bafta-winning feature “Bait,” which explored the tensions within a Cornish fishing community, and the haunting folk horror film “Enys Men,” set on a remote island off England’s southwestern coast.<\/p>\n
“Rose of Nevada,” which follows a Cornish fishing boat and its crew as they navigate through time, is being touted as a significant advancement in Jenkin’s career, having received positive early reviews and a feature on the cover of May’s edition of the prestigious film publication, “Sight and Sound.”<\/p>\n
“I keep sharing the cover image on social media,” Jenkin remarked to the Guardian as he prepared for the preview at the Newlyn Filmhouse, located in a former fish cellar and smokery near the harbor. “While part of it serves as promotion, the more I share it, the more I convince myself it’s real and has actually happened.”<\/p>\n
The film was shot entirely in Cornwall, predominantly around the harbors of Hayle in the north and Mullion in the south. The fishing boat used in the film is an operational vessel that was chartered for filming. “During breaks in production, the skipper would take the boat out for fishing,” Jenkin explained.<\/p>\n
Similar to his previous works, “Rose of Nevada” was filmed on 16mm using a vintage Bolex camera. Jenkin emphasizes that the portrayal of his homeland is central to the narrative, rather than merely serving as a picturesque backdrop. He believes that if the films resonate with authenticity, audiences worldwide will appreciate them, even if they have no prior knowledge of Cornwall.<\/p>\n
While Jenkin is often viewed as a symbol of Cornish filmmaking, he acknowledges the existence of a small yet passionate independent cinema community that welcomed him back when he returned to Cornwall from London at the start of the century.<\/p>\n
The presence of a beloved cinema in Newlyn brings him joy. “It’s a true testament to the enduring power of cinema as an art form. We often hear that cinema is dying and that audiences are dwindling. Yet, here we have an arthouse cinema thriving in the heart of Newlyn,” he remarked.<\/p>\n
Jenkin further asserted that his belief in Cornwall as the center of the world is not unfounded. “This is my world, so it stands as my universe. It doesn’t imply it’s superior to other places, but it is the area I am engaged with,” he noted.<\/p>\n
In addition to authenticity, both Jenkin and producer Denzil Monk prioritize sustainability and inclusivity in their filmmaking approach. They strive to minimize their impact on the Cornish environment and community, ensuring that most props used, such as nets and fish boxes, are returned to the sea after filming.<\/p>\n
Monk elaborated, “When your work emerges from a place, a community, and a culture, it is essential to honor that cultural context in every aspect and to contribute positively. We aim to tread lightly.”<\/p>\n
Laura Giles, managing director of Screen Cornwall, remarked that “Rose of Nevada” represents a pivotal moment for Cornish filmmaking. “It\u2019s a local filmmaker sharing a story deeply rooted in this area. Mark is a guiding figure and doing remarkable work, but there are also many emerging talents making interesting contributions,” she stated.<\/p>\n
Other notable projects include the Cornish-language film “Poll Pri” (Clay Pit), directed by Edward Rowe, which chronicles a community’s struggle for survival in central Cornwall. Another is “A Year in a Field,” a slow yet compelling narrative that highlights a year in the life of a 4,000-year-old stone in the Cornish landscape.<\/p>\n
Brett Harvey, creator of the Cornish road movie “Long Way Back,” noted that Jenkin’s achievements have drawn attention to Cornwall’s filmmaking scene. “Cornish cinema has always been thriving, but now the global audience is paying attention,” he stated.<\/p>\n
Dan Simpkins, who produced a documentary titled “The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay,” which follows explorers into abandoned Cornish tin mines, commented on the increasing acknowledgment of regional filmmaking’s significance. “Audiences are eager to see their communities and identities mirrored on screen, alongside major blockbuster films. It\u2019s an exciting time to be a filmmaker in Cornwall,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mark Jenkin will participate in a series of Q&A sessions leading up to the official release of “Rose of Nevada” in the UK and Ireland later this month.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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