Mark Jenkin's "Rose of Nevada" Premieres in Newlyn: A Celebration of Cornish Cinema

Mark Jenkin's new film, *Rose of Nevada*, premiered in Newlyn, Cornwall, where the local audience showed strong support. Jenkin, a native of Newlyn, expressed his nervousness about presenting his work to familiar faces, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his films. He stated, “The Cornish audience is the most important,” highlighting his desire for local validation of his work. The film, which tells the story of a Cornish fishing boat and crew that slips through time, has received positive early reviews and features Jenkin on the cover of *Sight and Sound* magazine.

The Guardian

*Rose of Nevada* was shot entirely in Cornwall, primarily in Hayle and Mullion, using a 16mm Bolex camera. Jenkin aims to present Cornwall not merely as a backdrop but as a central character in his narrative. He noted that upon returning to Cornwall from London, he discovered a vibrant grassroots independent cinema scene, which he finds inspiring. Jenkin remarked, “We’re constantly told that cinema’s dead, nobody goes to the cinema,” yet the presence of an arthouse cinema in Newlyn contradicts this notion.

The Guardian

Sustainability and inclusivity are also key themes for Jenkin and producer Denzil Monk. They strive to minimize their environmental impact, ensuring that props used in the film are returned to the sea post-production. Monk emphasized the importance of respecting the cultural context of the community, stating, “When your work is emerging out of a place, out of a community, out of a culture, then you want every aspect of that to be respectful.”

The Guardian

The release of *Rose of Nevada* is seen as a pivotal moment for Cornish filmmaking. Laura Giles, managing director of Screen Cornwall, praised Jenkin as a “talisman” for the local film industry, noting that his work is helping to elevate the visibility of Cornish stories. Other local filmmakers, such as Edward Rowe and Brett Harvey, have also contributed to this burgeoning scene, with projects that reflect the unique narratives of Cornwall.

The Guardian

Dan Simpkins, creator of the documentary *The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay*, remarked on the growing recognition of regional filmmaking, stating that audiences increasingly desire to see their communities represented on screen. This trend indicates a promising future for filmmakers in Cornwall, as they gain attention alongside larger productions.

The Guardian

• “This is the greatest town in the world,” — Mark Jenkin, Filmmaker

The Guardian

• “I think it’s a real testament to the power of cinema as an art form.” — Mark Jenkin, Filmmaker

The Guardian

• “It’s a genuinely exciting time to be a film-maker in Cornwall.” — Dan Simpkins, Filmmaker

The Guardian

The premiere of *Rose of Nevada* not only showcases Jenkin's artistic vision but also signifies a broader movement within Cornish cinema, reflecting local stories and identities on a global stage.

The Guardian