The deadline is looming for the Govyn Kernewek Award 2010 (ideas need to be submitted by Sunday January 31), so we got in touch with past winner Brett Harvey, who has released a DVD of his short films, to find out what the winning £5,000 to make a film in the Cornish language meant to him.
Brett won Govyn Kernewek 08 to make An Jowl Yn Agas, a film about a downtrodden chef who has an encounter with the devil.
Brett told D+CFilm: “When I was first awarded the Govyn Kernewek I was excited and (naturally) pretty nervous. I am not a Cornish language speaker and have only a loose understanding of the politics surrounding it.
“However, making An Jowl Yn Agas Kegin (yes, it took me months to pronounce it correctly!) was a joy from start to finish. I had amazing support from Cornish language bards, worked with a fantastic cast and crew (including Phillip Schofield!) and made a film that I’m still really proud of.
“The challenge of using a native language and making it accessible to all audiences is tough but I believe it challenges writers / directors to create truly original work and what could be better than that?
“I also now know how to swear in Cornish and how to say chicken nuggets! Splan! (That’s Cornish for ‘yeah’ or ‘right on’!),” Brett told us.
The Govyn Kernewek award is a competitive annual commission of £5,000 to make a short film using Kernewek (the Cornish language) wholly or substantially in an interesting way. The award is supported by Cornwall Film Festival, MAGA and awen productions cic.
It must be viable to make within the £5,000 budget and be completed and delivered by Thursday, September 30. We accept ideas of any genre. The suggested title for GK10 is ‘Yn Termyn Eus Passyes’ (Once Upon A Time…)
Your proposal must be for a short film with a maximum duration of 20 mins. And it should include a synopsis of your idea, relevant experience, and, if appropriate, details of your proposed production team. Entries are welcome from individuals or teams where the writer, director or producer is resident in Cornwall.
To submit your idea, email a two-page proposal and two-page CV to: info@cornwallfilmfestival.com with GK10 as the subject.
Stay tuned to D+CFilm for our Q&A with Brett Harvey.
Filmmaker needs a Cornish producer for this submission to the Govyn Kernewek Award.
• What I’ve Done While I Was Looking For a Real Job is collection of award winning short films, rarities and other bits and bobs by Cornish filmmaker Brett Harvey. Available for the first time on DVD for just £10 (including P & P). Check out the trailer. Email enquiries to Brett@o-region.co.uk
(image: a still from An Jowl Yn Agas Kegin by Brett Harvey, winner of the Govyn Kernewek Award 08)
