Scottish Parliament Lauds Homegrown Filmmaker's Success at USA Film Festivals

EDINBURGH, Scotland - Nov. 29, 2023 - PRLog -- The Scottish Parliament recently congratulated Sam Watkins, a Perthshire-raised filmmaker, for his outstanding achievement at the ninth Jerome Indie Film and Music Festival in Arizona. The accolade was bestowed upon Watkins for his exceptional work on 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes', which earned him the title of Best Music Short Documentary winner.

Liz Smith of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party formally submitted the motion, highlighting Watkins' success in winning the prestigious award at the Jerome Indie Film and Music Festival. The Parliament acknowledged the film's exploration of the challenges faced by Ecuadorian luthiers in preserving their craft amidst growing threats from cheap, low-quality, and mass-produced guitars from abroad. Furthermore, the motion recognised that 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' has been selected for seven film festivals across the globe.

In addition to his triumph in Arizona, Sam Watkins secured the Best Documentary Short Film award at the Lonely Seal International Film Festival in Boston, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the global filmmaking arena.

Reflecting on his success, Watkins expressed his elation, stating, "I'm absolutely over the moon about the win. 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."

'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' has garnered attention not only for its win at the Jerome Indie Film and Music Festival but also for its exploration of the endangered craft of Ecuadorian guitar makers. The documentary, clocking in at just under 13 minutes, highlights the dedication and unwavering commitment of these craftsmen as they face challenges from mass-produced, low-quality guitars flooding the market.

The recognition from the Scottish Parliament adds another layer of significance to Watkins' achievements, affirming his impact not only as a filmmaker but as a cultural storyteller bringing attention to the challenges faced by artisans around the world.

As Watkins continues to bask in the success of 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes', the global film community eagerly anticipates his future projects, wishing the talented filmmaker continued success on his rising trajectory.

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