Scottish Parliament Congratulates Local Filmmaker Following Film Festival Wins

Crieff, Scotland - November 26, 2023 - The Scottish Parliament recently extended its warmest congratulations to 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' (https://discovered.tv/watch/ZajlAQVmAtnn) 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.

Sam Watkins, who directed and produced the documentary, shared his motivation for the project, stating, "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."

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.

If you haven't experienced the magic of 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' yet, you can watch it for free on Discovered.tv (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 or search for @WatkinsFilms on Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kelly O'Brien
Phone: +353 86 084 3507
Email: kellyobrienwriter@gmail.com
More info and photos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_PgsPMWwJYQsCIQ_1-jQn5dOCXYhwsPL?usp=drive_link

Sam Watkins' 'The Vanishing Strings of the Andes' is a captivating and poignant exploration of an endangered craft that calls out for preservation. With its mesmerizing cinematography and heartfelt storytelling, it has captivated audiences worldwide and now claims its rightful place among the laurels at the Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival.

- Watkins Films Ltd
- 53 Glenearn Rd, Perth PH2 0NJ, United Kingdom
- sam@watkinsfilms.com +34611545689
- kellyobrienwriter@gmail.com +353860843507

About Sam Watkins

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 (https://www.watkinsfilms.com/), 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.