Ecclesiastical church competition
...and the winner is...
The gift of a carpenter, St James Church, Macclesfield
They were chosen from over 100 films submitted in our national competition in search of the true meaning of Christmas. The competition challenged anyone to submit a one-minute long video clip using a mobile phone, web camera or video camera.
A team of budding film-makers from St James's Church in Macclesfield claimed first prize. Their film is a dark and atmospheric story of a carpenter who fells a Christmas tree and, rather than decorating it, he decides to make a carving from it. He carves a tiny nativity figure and takes it to his local village church. The simple presentation and powerful message behind the film impressed the judges and clinched the first prize. Watch the video below.
The Rev Taffy Davies had the idea for the film and also makes a brief appearance; park ranger Ian Coppack stars in the piece; and Phil Wattis directed and shot the film.
The Rev Taffy Davis said: “We wanted to make a simple but interesting film. We didn’t want to knock Christmas or patronise people. We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of making the film; it really stimulated us to think about the true meaning to Christmas.” Find out more from Rev Taffy in a short interview filmed at the finalist event below.
Ecclesiastical interviews the winner
An interview with Rev Taffy Davies at the finalists event, the inspiration behind the winning film - the gift of a carpenter.
The gift of a carpenter
View the winning video right here - the gift of a carpenter.
The gift of a carpenter in draft
The winning parish have provided an initial draft of their film. A masterpiece by its own right...
John Coates, one of the competition’s judges and Church Insurance Manager at Ecclesiastical, said: “Our competition’s aim was to find a video which put a powerful spotlight on the true meaning of Christmas.
The winning videos prove that you don’t need complicated plots, large casts, impressive sets or expensive camera equipment to make a really good film. A good idea and a camcorder is all you need to spread an important message.”
The competition is backed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. He said: “It’s your film. It’s your story. It’s your chance to express your thoughts.” Dr John Sentamu has recorded a message to celebrate the winners. Watch this at www.truemeaning.co.uk.
Our winners were announced at an Oscar style presentation ceremony held at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday 21 November. View photos from the finalist event, and find out who the runners up were at www.truemeaning.co.uk.
