Following on from the success of BAIT, a Cornwall-based director will be answering fan questions at a number of sneak previews of his latest folk-horror film.

Film fans across the South West are being offered an early chance to see the new feature by Cornwall’s BAFTA-winning filmmaker Mark Jenkin and pick up some insights into his distinctive style, Cornish culture and its language at the same time.

ENYS MEN is Jenkin’s folk horror follow-up to his internationally acclaimed and BAFTA-winning box office hit BAIT – similarly shot mostly in and around his home base in West Penwith and again starring Mary Woodvine (Poldark, Judge John Deed, Doc Martin) and Edward ‘Kernow King’ Rowe (The Witcher, House of the Dragon).

The new film is not due for UK-wide release until January 13 but its distributor, the BFI, is teaming up with Film Hub South West and producer Denzil Monk to put on a series of advance screenings in Cornwall, Devon and Bristol, with Mark Jenkin in attendance at each for a Q&A and with Mary Woodvine joining him on some dates.

Kernewek, the Cornish language, is an essential element in the film including in an original song written by Mercury Prize 2022 nominee Gwenno.

To highlight this, in what is believed to be a feature film promotional first, bilingual Cornish/English posters are being produced. 

It is the plot, though, which most strongly reflects Cornwall – a mind-bending story, set in 1973 and centered on a wildlife volunteer whose daily observations of a strange flower on a lonely island take a dark turn, involving miners, bal maidens, a boat wreck and a Bronze Age menhir, forcing both her and viewers to question what is real and what is nightmare.

Producer Denzil Monk said: "As with BAIT, Mark has shot ENYS MEN on 16mm film using his 1970s Bolex H16 camera, but this time it’s in colour.

"We’re very happy to be creating the bilingual poster.

"This is a Cornish production through and through and a celebration of Cornwall’s rich folklore, its tin and copper mining heritage, relationship with the sea and stunning natural beauty."

Film Hub South West’s Maddy Probst added: "ENYS MEN draws from a rich tradition of British folk horror films such as THE WICKERMAN and THE SHOUT but also speaks strongly to many areas of the West Country – a region abounding in ancient sites, reminders of lost industries and tales of the uncanny.

"There’s no doubt it will capture the imagination of film fans across the South West and beyond.

"We are delighted to join the BFI in giving local audiences an early opportunity to talk with Mark and see his unique work at their local cinema before it goes on general release."

Dates of ENYS MEN’s first South West previews + Q&As are:

  • Monday 2 January (7.30pm): Newlyn Filmhouse
  • Tuesday 3 January: (7.30pm): Savoy Cinema, Penzance
  • Wednesday 4 January (5.45pm) Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay
  • Wednesday 4 January (8.30pm) Plaza Cinema, Truro
  • Thursday 5 January (5.45pm), Capitol Cinema, Bodmin
  • Thursday 5 January (8.30pm) Regal Cinema, Wadebridge
  • Friday 6 January (6.30pm) Picturehouse, Exeter
  • Saturday 7 January (5.30pm) Watershed, Bristol

In addition there will be extra SW screenings and Q&As with Mark Jenkin and, where possible, members of his cast and the production team as follows:

  • Wednesday 18 January (7.30pm) Regal Cinema, Redruth
  • Thursday 19 January (7.30pm) The Poly, Falmouth
  • Friday 20 January (8pm) White River Cinema, St Austell
  • Saturday 21 January (8pm) Arts Centre, Plymouth
  • Sunday 22 January (7pm), Totnes Cinema, Totnes