Guernsey woman produces film on Australian bush fires

‘Raising Joey’ has been selected by the Revelation International Film Festival as one of three to receive financial support and it is due to be screened at the festival, which takes place in the city of Vincent, Perth, in July.

Jennifer Friend said the idea had started as a documentary about photographer Alex Cearns and the original plan was to make a fun, quirky documentary about her as she went about her day.

Ms Cearns was named the best dog photographer in Australia in 2011 and 2013 and she also works with animal rescue centres, said Mrs Friend.

After hearing some of her stories about her capturing animals in photos, Mrs Friend and her director, Stephen Bartley, were hooked: ‘We thought this is going to be a fun little project and as Stephen had enjoyed working on a Netflix nature documentary series in the past, we thought why not?’ she said.

‘I thought “As long as we stay away from snakes I will be fine”.’

But then the Australian bushfires broke out across the country and the plan changed.

‘Our fun little documentary has now taken on a more serious tone. We were introduced to “Ash” a baby kangaroo joey who was found jumping out from amongst a pile of ash, hence the name.’

After it was rescued Ash became part of a family and like many other rescued joeys, it is being reared in a handmade pouch.

Mrs Friend said she remembered having a toy kangaroo as a child which she handed down to her children in Guernsey: ‘I now find myself falling in love with a real baby Kangaroo here in Perth.

‘I hope this documentary will touch hearts and bring joy to audiences around the world.’

The short film will follow Ms Cearns as she documents Ash and other rescued joey’s stories and will also showcase the funny side of rearing joeys, said Mrs Friend.

The project was then announced as one of three films to receive $5,000 towards its production costs as part of this year’s Revelation International Film Festival in Perth.

Each of the documentaries will showcase stories in and about the City of Vincent, representing its residents and their stories as well as providing emerging filmmakers with a chance to showcase their talents.

Mrs Friend said she plans to screen the film in Guernsey and it also has potential to turn into a feature length documentary.

A Facebook page has been set up to provide more information and Ms Cearns is organising a photography exhibition to raise money for Australian wildlife.

n Mrs Friend is also producing a documentary about Victor Hugo’s life in Guernsey and she said that as well as collaborating with ‘high profile professionals’, the descendants of the writer are being very supportive.