UK Filmmaker Sam Watkins Triumphs at Prestigious Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival with Best Music Documentary Short Award

Jerome, Arizona - September 27, 2023 - UK filmmaker Sam Watkins has proven he is one to watch, having just clinched the coveted Best Music Documentary Short award at the 9th Annual Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival for his debut short documentary 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes'.

This prestigious accolade marks a significant triumph for Watkins and solidifies his position as a rising star in the world of filmmaking.

"I'm absolutely over the moon about the win," exclaimed Sam at the awards after-party.

"A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into this documentary, and I'm delighted to receive this award on behalf of everyone who has played a part in its success so far. To date it has been selected for 7 film festivals worldwide. This festival in Jerome was the first one, and it has already won an award, which is just fantastic. I'm delighted."

Held in the hauntingly captivating backdrop of Jerome, Arizona, a ghost town with a notorious past, the Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival is no ordinary cinematic event. Moviemaker Magazine, a trusted authority in the film industry, recognized it as one of the '25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World' back in 2017. It's an edgy, unconventional festival that thrives on pushing the boundaries of storytelling and freedom of speech.

What sets this festival apart is its commitment to taking cinema to the most unexpected places. Picture yourself watching independent films on a moving train, inside a haunted gold mine, within the walls of wineries, atop surprise hilltop residences, or even in the eerie confines of a century-old high school basement hallway. These are the kinds of experiences that the Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival delivers.

It was on this festival's unique stage that Sam Watkins' 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' truly shined. The mesmerizing short documentary delves into the heart and soul of Ecuadorian guitar makers along The Route of the Guitars in San Bartolomé, Ecuador. Watkins, with his unparalleled storytelling prowess, exposes the hardships faced by these artisans as they strive to preserve their craft amidst fierce global competition.

Featuring interviews with esteemed guitar luthiers, 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' captures the dedication and unwavering commitment of these craftsmen. It unearths the threats posed by mass-produced, low-quality guitars flooding the market, particularly from China. Clocking in at just under 13 minutes, the documentary immerses viewers in the beauty of this endangered craft and the determination of those who keep it alive.

Sam Watkins, who hails from both Perthshire and Edinburgh in Scotland, not only directed but also produced the documentary.

"I was drawn to the project as I had heard a story about a lost 'guitar road' in the mountains of Ecuador, and I was fascinated by it. I couldn't find out anything else about it, so I knew I just had to go myself and experience this intricate craft firsthand," he said.

"It's incredible that the craft has survived for so long - these guitar luthiers have been making stringed instruments since colonial times! To the best of my knowledge, nobody has made a film about this story, the guitar makers' journey, where things stand today, and what the future holds."

Watkins' storytelling prowess and breathtaking cinematography have propelled 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' into the global spotlight, garnering attention for its compelling narrative and captivating visuals. It's a testament to Watkins' talent that this documentary has already found its way to streaming platforms worldwide, becoming a strong contender for further film festival success.

If you haven't experienced the magic of 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' yet, you can watch it for free on Discovered.tv here: https://discovered.tv/watch/ZajlAQVmAtnn

If you like the short, consider leaving a review on IMDb here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28108793/

For more information, check out Watkins Films Ltd (https://www.watkinsfilms.com/) or search for @WatkinsFilms on Instagram.

Watkins Films, Third Floor, 3 Hill Street, New Town, Edinburgh, EH2 3JP

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelly O'Brien or Sam Watkins
Phone: +353 86 084 3507 or +34 611 545689
Email: kellyobrienwriter@gmail.com or sam@watkinsfilms.com

More info and images here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_PgsPMWwJYQsCIQ_1-jQn5dOCXYhwsPL?usp=drive_link

Sam Watkins, a UK-born filmmaker with an innate talent for storytelling, embarked on his cinematic journey following his studies at The University of Dundee. With a background in prestigious institutions like BBC Scotland and leading London-based video production agencies, he honed his skills in creating compelling content for major studios such as Paramount, Warner Brothers, Universal, and Sony Pictures.

Beyond filmmaking, Sam's versatility extends to producing diverse content, including music videos, commercials, and documentaries. In 2020, he founded Watkins Films Ltd, collaborating with corporate clients such as The Economist, GSK, and Guinness, while also delving into independent production, uncovering hidden and underserved stories with global potential.

Currently based in Málaga, Spain, Sam Watkins is a filmmaker whose work leaves an indelible mark, and his debut short documentary, 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes,' is now captivating audiences worldwide.

This release was published on openPR.