A film choreographed and performed by NSCD alumna Keira Martin and directed by filmmaker Wayne Sables has been named Best Experimental Film at the 2021 Montreal Independent Film Festival.
Familiar Struggle was commissioned by Surf the Wave, and was filmed in autumn 2020 across South Yorkshire. Jamie Roberts, one half of the contemporary folk duo Gilmore & Robert, composed the music for the film.
Martin commented: "Myself and Wayne are over the moon, shocked and humbled - so happy that a story from Barnsley has resonated across the waters internationally and that the struggle is indeed familiar. Here’s to more untold stories and unheard voices being heard."
Sables said: "The original intention was to create a work around the idea of passion for the arts and the experience of growing up and working in the arts in South Yorkshire. But for me it’s particularly special as the final film was not the film we intended to make and what we created is far more powerful than the original idea. Keira is new to film so it marks a real step change in her career and opens her work to a whole new audience."
The award comes after Sables' previous film Alone, a dance solo performed by NSCD graduate Mason Jubb, was selected as a finalist in New York’s Flight Deck Film Festival 2020.
Familiar Struggle is available to watch online here.
Familiar Struggle trailer from Wayne Sables on Vimeo.
