A young Cumbrian filmmaker has won a prestigious global award.
Juliet Klottrup, whose family are from Penrith, was one of five people been given a Sony Future Filmmaker Award for her short documentary Travelling Home.
Over 11,750 films were submitted by more than 7,500 filmmakers across 158 countries and territories to the awards, which were announced in Los Angeles.
The shortlisted filmmakers also took part in four days of workshops at Sony Pictures in the run-up to the awards.
Juliet’s film is about Joe Cannon Senior, a Romany Traveller, who reflects on his heritage and the annual pilgrimage to Appleby Horse Fair.
Juliet said: “Living along the route that connects Yorkshire to Cumbria since 2019 I’ve been documenting the experiences of the Travelling and Gypsy communities in the North West of England, on their annual pilgrimage to Appleby Horse Fair.
“Setting off on walks meeting with different families on route to the fair on well-worn rural roads and lay-bys in bow top wagons, on horseback, or using motor vehicles. A ritual tradition that retraces the path of past generations I’ve recorded the community through the lens of family, ceremony, gentleness and tradition.
“This is how I met Joe Cannon Snr out on the moors with his horses and his wagon. Growing from conversations about his heritage and personal history over the years I took portraits and 8mm vignettes of Joe’s daily life, which evolved into the short film Travelling Home.
“Continuing to capture this community, travelling to a historical home, feels more important than ever to preserve. Joe’s voice embodied a deep passion for his heritage and culture. The way he has lived and continues to live, despite the changing world around him – his history, like so many others, is etched into this landscape.”
The film has earned recognition at international festivals, including the London Film Festival, Santa Barbara, Aesthetica, and Bolton Film Festival. It was nominated for Best Northern Short at Women X Film Festival, a finalist for the people’s choice award with London Mountain Film Festival and won the Judges Award at the Osprey Short Film Awards.
Juliet added: ” Being recognised by Sony and sharing these regional stories on an international stage is incredibly meaningful.
As a self-taught filmmaker, usually found in the mountains or on rural moorland, this has been an incredible experience – learning from so many talented filmmakers from around the world.
“A huge thank you to Sony, Creo Arts Group, and all the other filmmakers for an incredibly enriching and immersive time of learning and sharing at Sony Pictures in Los Angeles. And to the jury — Elizabeth Gabler, president of 3000 Pictures, for presenting me with the award, and judges Minhal Baig, Jason Reitman, and Justin Chadwick.
“This film wasn’t made alone and I’m so grateful for all the talented hands who helped create this film together.”
