A Young Manx Film

A Young Manx Film

Thu, 06 Feb 2020

A short film made entirely in Manx by two 10 year olds has just been released online.

Filmed at Tynwald Day last year, the children, Frank and Matilda, have created an amazing record of the day as seen through their eyes.

The 16-minute long film was filmed entirely by the children using a small GoPro camera and hand-held audio recorder.

Edited by Culture Vannin, the finished film entertainingly leaps between engaging interviews interspersed by clips of music, dance, displays and more from Tynwald Day.

James Franklin of Culture Vannin says:

“It is a phenomenal achievement by these two young people. The film is a wonderful advert not just of the joy of our National Day, but also of the Manx language as well.”

Pairing conversations with some well-known figures from the language community, with conversations with friends discussing eating cakes or laughing over fart gas, the film is something joyfully different to most films.

The film was given a private premiere at the Cooish Manx language event in October, where it brought a rapturous reception of laughter and applause. It is released online only now that the permissions have been finalised.

James Franklin says:

“People from all around the world are interested in Manx and its modern success story of revitalisation. If there is a film which shows just how alive and well the language is, it will be this by Frank and Matilda.”

Adults featured in the film include Annie Kissack, former Manx Bard; Julie Matthews, Head Teacher at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh; Dr Breesha Maddrell, Director of Culture Vannin; Jamys Harrison, Manx Radio presenter; Katie Kermode, a USA-based fluent speaker of Manx; Stewart Bennett, a long-standing figure in Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh; and Caz Dougherty, a leading Manx musician.

The film, ‘Laa Tinvaal marish Frank as Matilda,’ is available to be watched on the Culture Vannin website and YouTube.