Filmmaker Statement

A family pour out their jewellery boxes onto their kitchen table, and recount the stories that are entwined with them. From a treasured locket held during the first world war, to a beloved pair of earrings that became a distraction for a naughty baby, 'Family Jewels' follows a family's journey in a unique way, and always overflows with laughter and love. I interviewed my wonderful Mum and Gran for this film; I got my ears pierced for the first time in December 2019, and when I went home for Christmas break my mum gave me some of her jewellery, and in doing so revealed so many memories and secrets that for her were completely linked to the earrings and pieces in her jewellery box. I don't think she knew that she would inspire an animated short, but she certainly did. This was a student project from my second year at UCA Farnham: as I was in the thick of making the film in March 2020, COVID struck. The bulk of the film was therefore shot at home rather than in the lovely uni studios.