Independent film fest wraps on successful comeback year

The 13th Parish Festival of Independent Film & Music has wrapped on its successful second year of bringing a packed programme of diverse, international films to the island.

Having taken place from 12 – 15 May, screening films for appreciative crowds at the Jersey Arts Centre, 2022 marks the first time the festival took place in person since it began in 2019. Presenting in hybrid fashion this year, the festival also presented a selection of films from its programme as online screenings. 

With a packed programme of diverse international films, this year’s festival has bedded itself into the cultural life of many Jersey islanders, with a strong showing of supporters throughout the extended weekend. 

On the final evening of a festival, series of awards were also presented, celebrating the films which stood out to the judges as the Best Jersey Short Film and the Best International Short Film. 

Special guest juror Mick Hannigan of IndieCork Festival chose Rachel Ara’s short animation ‘The Parable of the Leaf Blower’ to win the local prize. Accepting her award on-stage at the Arts Centre, Rachel said: “I’m really impressed by the standard of work on show here over the festival, [I’m] honoured to accept this award, and really delighted that such a festival exists here in Jersey.” 

Bruce Labey, Chair of the International Jury commented that: “The standard of films was extremely high [and] there has been genuine excitement and engagement with audiences here.”

The Priz d’Honneur was awarded to Swedish film ‘High Sky, Low Land’ (Maria Eriksson-Hecht) and the L’Esprit de la Fête prize was given to Irish short ‘Rough’ (Adam Patterson). 

The awards were kindly sponsored by Jersey Electricity and were made by local artist and glassmaker Glyn Burton. 

During the festival, a number of highly sought-after films were screened for islanders, including a premiere of Toby Amies’ ‘In the Court of the Crimson King’. Other highlights from the festival included: 

• Screening a new feature length French animation film ‘The Crossing’ (La Traversée) in partnership with the Alliance Française de Jersey
• A night-time outdoor screening of short films in the Royal Square 
• A special week-long filmmaking workshop held in partnership with Off-Court Film Festival, Trouville, which saw seven local participants create films in one week that were then screened at the Arts Centre
• A fireside Q&A between guest of honour, Jersey author Jenny Lecoat, and Simon MacDonald in partnership with Soroptimists International Jersey. 

Commenting on the success of this year’s edition, Festival Director, Tony Langlois said: “The 13^th Parish Festival aims to work in collaboration, bringing creative opportunities to local people, but also to put Jersey on the map as an international festival platform. We’re thrilled with the success of our 2022 festival, we have a lot to build on for next year. We’d like to extend a huge thanks to our sponsors, our venue Jersey Arts Centre, programme partners and filmmakers and of course, to the Jersey audiences who engaged so enthusiastically. We can’t wait to get going on plans for 2023.”

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Awards of the 13^th Parish Festival May 12^th to 15^th 2022

Awards artist: Glyn Burton

Awards kindly sponsored by Jersey Electricity Company 

The International Jury was comprised of: 

Bruce Labey (Chair) Senior Operations Manager, Government of Jersey

Ellie Haywood, Operations Manager, Arthouse Jersey

Paul Milbank, Sector Lead, Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport, Government of Jersey

Prix d’Honneur of the 13^th Parish Festival 2022

Winner:

High Sky, Low Land

By Maria Eriksson-Hecht, Sweden, 2021

Jury statement: A powerful central performance by a hugely talented young actor, skilful direction and a well paced narrative, makes this a moving and compelling story. 

Runner up:

Woodpeckers

By Owen Warren / Ireland / 2021

A strong concept, simply portrayed with a deliciously dark ending. 

L’Esprit de la Fête of the 13^th Parish Festival 2022

Winner: 

Rough

By Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson / Ireland / 2021

The power of love triumphs over the love of power, in this sharp, dark comedy of one young man’s dedication to his dog. The twist at the end is absolutely superb. 

Runner up:

Cradle

By Paul Muresan / Romania / 2020

Mythic, archetypal imagery drives a powerful and affecting short narrative. 

The Jersey Short Film Competition was judged by Mick Hannigan, IndieCork Festival 

Best Jersey Short Film: 

Winner

The Parable of the Leaf Blower

By Rachel Ara / Jersey / 2022

Juror statement:

The awarded film is one that, while deceptively simple in its production (made on the artist’s kitchen table) is rich in meaning; an animated parable for our complex times. The short is a stimulating commentary on the current state of humankind, female and male.