Private Project

An Tarow

A shadow seems to follow Peder wherever he goes. Whilst happiest in the open landscapes around the Quoit close to his home, he cannot shake the presence of a bull – An Tarow – that threatens to overwhelm him and his mother Cara. He knows his father is violent and has become numb to what happens downstairs after he’s gone to bed. Yet his mother keeps him as removed as she can through their shared love of folktales.

Gradually his mother’s stories of Bucca’s, Piskies and Knockers give Peder an entirely new means of escape, along with a growing sense of strength. His journeys to school become a hunt for any sign of their presence and whilst still wary of what he hears from downstairs, he begins to imagine confronting what he was previously fearful of.

  • Jonny Dry
    Director
  • Ella Turner
    Producer
  • Samuel Jay Chessell
    Writer
  • Jackson New
    Key Cast
    "Peder"
  • Bryher Flanders
    Key Cast
    "Cara"
  • Edward Rowe
    Key Cast
    "Mal"
  • Tim Cartwright
    Key Cast
    "Mr Cormoron"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    17 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 24, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jonny Dry

Jonny has an extensive slate of directorial work, culminating most recently in Third Quarter which is currently on two award wins from the New Renaissance Film Festival in London and has screened at festivals across the UK. A passionate advocate of regional voices in the film industry, he has extensive networks across the southwest and north and works tirelessly to provide opportunities for those less able through work placements and as organiser of Cornish Slates. Jonny has also worked on shorts and features as a 1st AD, namely Hannah Hill’s award winning short comedy Lasagne and Martha Tilston’s debut feature The Tape. Alongside his work in the film industry Jonny is a proud advocate of literature and the environment and works with Kendal Mountain Festival. He is also on the Board of Directors for the British Mountaineering Council.

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Director Statement

There is an alternative side to Cornwall which few of us experience or see. It is a side of Cornwall which is not sandy beaches and sea, but urbanised, deprivied and struggling to find opportunity. These areas are by-passed as we head southwest on the A30 but they are there and have increased in recent years.

This is of course a film in part about domestic abuse, Cornish folk stories and the Cornish language, but it is one that is set in post-industrial Cornwall and captures environments that aren’t often portrayed on screen. Sam came to me with a script back in 2019 that offered an opportunity to depict both sides of Cornwall; the wild landscapes for which it is known that often overlook towns and cities.

It was appropriate that through the eyes of a child, An Tarow brings both such landscapes together. Because in Cornwall there are young people with drive and determination to make things work down here. This production was as much about bringing a young team together, one that saw Falmouth University alumni and students collaborate with established local actors and a very promising youngster. Yet we were also keen to provide opportunities to those who lack them, and the week of production in October saw students from Poltair School and Penrice Academy shadow the production as part of a work experience placement which we provided.

Film - if considered in the right way - can provide countless opportunities, and there is a growing movement of young local talent in the southwest that are driving for something better and committed to making work that reflects the world around them.