A documentary sharing the story of Jersey’s Jèrriais language is heading to parish halls across the Island after winning the Audience Award at this year’s Parish Film Festival.
À bétôt? (Goodbye?) will be shown throughout October and November, following its premiere at the Jersey Arts Centre, where it played to a full house and received a standing ovation.
The 99-minute film was co-directed by local filmmakers Annigna and Tom Kennedy of Little River Pictures and produced by Ben Spink of L’Office du Jèrriais.
It explores the history and decline of Jèrriais through the experiences of people who have spoken the language across generations, as well as the efforts being made to revitalise it.
The documentary also looks at the role Jèrriais plays in Jersey’s cultural heritage and follows Islanders working to preserve the language and encourage more people to learn and speak it.
Mr Spink said the reaction to the film had been “incredibly rewarding”.
“We made À bétôt? to reach as many Islanders as possible and to share the story of Jèrriais with a wider audience,” he said.
“Seeing the premiere sell out and receiving such a positive reaction from viewers was incredibly rewarding.
“We’re now looking forward to taking the film around the Island and meeting audiences in every parish.”
The Parish Hall tour will begin in October, with screenings confirmed for St Ouen on 6 October, Grouville on 8 October, St Mary on 9 October, St Brelade on 13 October, St Martin on 15 October, St Clement on 20 October, St Saviour on 22 October and St Lawrence on 10 November.
Further parish screenings are expected to be announced shortly.
Each screening will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers and producer. English subtitles will also be provided throughout the film.
All screenings are free and start at 6pm, with tickets available through Eventbrite.
