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A 23-year-old filmmaker has created a documentary about a local fisherwoman that aims to offer a fresh perspective on an age-old industry while inviting audiences to consider its uncertain future.
The film, called 'She Fishes' is directed by Sabine Gilley and follows Gabby Mason as she navigates the challenges and rewards of working in a traditionally male-dominated field.
The documentary charts various aspects of her work, from early morning fishing trips to processing her catch and selling it at local markets and restaurants.
Pictured: Sabine's film follows Gabby as she navigates the challenges and rewards of working in the traditionally male-dominated field of fishing.
It also explores the business side of the industry, focusing on how Gabby and her partner run their La Collette-based fishing business, Jade-S Fisheries.
Sabine, who is a former Jersey College for Girls student, explained that she was inspired by her personal connection to fishing and a deep interest in Jersey's history and culture.
"My grandfather was a fisherman and in the merchant navy," she explained.
"In his retirement years, when I was younger, I'd go out on the boat with him and catch fish. It was a big part of my childhood."
Pictured: The 23-year-old director saw the film as an opportunity to tell an important story about Jersey's heritage while also highlighting the role of women in the industry.
The 23-year-old director added that she also saw the film as an opportunity to tell an important story about Jersey's heritage while also highlighting the role of women in the industry.
The documentary, supported by ArtHouse Jersey, was shot over two weeks in May and June by a team of Bournemouth University graduates from the UK, Finland, and Scotland.
After being approached by the director, Gabby said she jumped at the chance to support another young woman pursuing her passion in a challenging industry.
Pictured: The documentary was shot over two weeks in May and June by a team of Bournemouth University graduates.
"I couldn't pass an opportunity to support another younger female who is trying to stand out in a very male-dominated industry herself," said Gabby.
The production process, according to both women, was not without its challenges.
The crew had to contend with unpredictable weather and tides, which sometimes delayed filming.
"It had become quite difficult to actually find a good time and good weather, good tides, to get the filming that Sabine wanted done," Gabby recalled.
"That's just, truthfully, part of the job. Fishing is very much a nature-dominated thing."
Pictured: The crew had to contend with unpredictable weather and tides, which sometimes delayed filming.
One particularly memorable moment during filming occurred in an old boathouse where they were shooting an interview with Gabby.
"We were trying to deal with these pigeons," the fisherwomen recounted. "Every two seconds, a pigeon flew into my head. It was an absolute nightmare."
Despite the challenges posed by weather and wildlife, the team managed to capture a wide range of footage, including underwater shots and scenes at various locations around the Island including Mont Orgueil Castle, Corbière Lighthouse, Rozel Harbour and St Ouen's Bay.
Tom Dingle from ArtHouse Jersey said: "We were delighted to support Sabine Gilley as a local artist beginning her professional career as a filmmaker.
"It is wonderful to see the team bringing to life a story that they are passionate about and undertaking a project that will develop their skills and experience."
Pictured: There are plans for future screenings of the film in Jersey and at Bournemouth University, the director and crew studied and met.
As 'She Fishes' enters its final stages of post-production, Sabine explained it is set to premiere on the international film festival circuit, which means it cannot be released online or screened publicly for the time being.
However, there are plans for future screenings in Jersey and at Bournemouth University, where the director and her crew studied and met.
Sabine and Gabby both hope their work will help viewers gain a deeper understanding of Jersey's fishing industry and its challenges.
"It's something we need to protect, need to support, and we need to make sure that it's going to continue to survive," said Sabine.
Pictured: Former Jersey College for Girls student Sabine studied at Bournemouth University.
Gabby added that she hopes the film will highlight "how incredible it is, how amazing the people are, and how small and sustainable it is".
She also wants viewers to recognise that women can be an integral part of the fishing industry in order to challenge traditional stereotypes and inspire the next generation of female fishers.
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