Trengellick Rising - A Cornish Language Short Film

'Trengellick Rising' is a Cornish Language short film shot on hand-processed 16mm black & white Kodak film, subtitled in English, using entirely post-sync sound with an Original Score. The film was conceived with the aim to contribute to regional efforts being made to revitalise a near-forgotten Celtic minority language and cultural heritage. The film was entirely shot, processed & edited in Cornwall.

Shot in 2021 using techniques from a century ago, the intention is that all these efforts in filming and post-production will help transport the viewer more easily into the 18th Century, vividly immersing them within the visceral era in which it’s set. The film encapsulates both the modern and historical issues that Cornwall faces against a backdrop of 1700s storytelling. It's gritty, raw & rough around the edges in an ancient frame; but deals with modern and ever-present issues at the same time - much like Cornwall itself.

'Trengellick Rising' explores the socio-economic conflicts of the past and reminds us that we still see echoes of it today in Cornwall, albeit in a different form. The film wears its cultural heritage on its sleeve as the film’s very existence is designed to contribute to regional efforts in bringing a minority language back to life. It plays a critical part in doing that by showing this near-forgotten Celtic language to a wider modern audience, in a unique way. The project has been helped by Cornwall Council & translated by their Language Department, it has also been supported by Falmouth University & Screen Cornwall in sourcing Crew, was 145% funded on Kickstarter (plus chosen as a ‘project we love’) and was helped in the early development stages by ‘Sundance Co//ab’ (& various Sundance advisors). 'Trengellick Rising' the culmination of 4 years of effort and tens of thousands of working hours from many different people - who have all given a huge amount of their time/money/effort to see it through to completion.

The Cast and Crew are all Cornwall/Southwest based and the production has utilised as much as it can from the local filmmaking talent/job pool available in the local area. Providing local jobs/work was of key importance to creating and shooting the film in Cornwall, as was giving a voice to under-represented regional groups. It is hoped that the film only helps to positively contribute to the immense wealth of filmmaking talent and productions available down in Cornwall and to create even more of a case for productions seeking to shoot/base themselves in the County as well.

The Cornish Language is of huge cultural importance in Cornwall, and it’s prevalence is on the rise - it is hoped that Trengellick Rising helps to further the awareness of Kernewek to an even wider audience from all over the UK and beyond.

I hope you enjoy watching the film and being immersed within a truly Cornish story. Revel in hearing a near-forgotten Celtic minority language that has been brought back from the brink of extinction by dedicated grassroots efforts such as this.

Thank you // Meur ras!

Guy Potter