Praise for island’s talented film-makers

MORE than 400 people attended the red-carpet premiere of locally produced and filmed Marooned Awakening at Beau Sejour.

Cameron Ashplant had every reason to smile on the red carpet at Beau Sejour. He is the co-writer, co-producer and lead actor of Marooned Awakening, which was shot entirely in Guernsey and is the first local film to be certified by the British Film Institute this millennium. (Pictures by Sophie Rabey, 31232121)

Before the film showing, guests, including Lt-Governor Lt General Richard Cripwell and the Bailiff, Richard McMahon, mingled with the stars, including co-writer, co-producer and lead actor Cameron Ashplant, who grew up on the island. Also attending the premiere was actor Murray McArthur, who plays Ashplant’s father in the film.

‘We started production during lockdown in Guernsey, which meant that there were a lot of young people from various film schools or backgrounds who were stuck on the island,’ said Mr McArthur, whose previous work includes Outlander and Game of Thrones.

‘I have worked on film sets around the world, and this crew has been even more focused and professional than most. Guernsey can be justifiably proud of all of them.

Murray McArthur pictured at the premiere of Marooned Awakening at Beau Sejour. He sang the praises of the island’s ‘talented young film-makers’.(31232031)

‘There is a fantastic wealth of talented young film-makers in this community. Hopefully, this film will open the doors for more film-makers to want to make a film here.’

Filmed entirely in Guernsey, Marooned Awakening used a number of different locations. Local product placement was evident with sightings of the Guernsey Press and Guernsey milk, to name just two.

It is the first local film to be certified by the British Film Institute this millennium and after the showing Mr Ashplant said that it was amazing to have premiered it in Guernsey.

‘It was an enjoyable celebration and a good end to this chapter of the film’s journey,’ he said. ‘I’m looking forward to now seeing how people will receive it at international festivals and sharing the film with more audiences.’