World premiere success for Falmouth’s Mark Jenkin at Venice
04 September 2025
Distinguished Professor of Film Practice at Falmouth University, Mark Jenkin, continues to cement his reputation as one of the UK’s most distinctive filmmakers with the world premiere of his latest work, Rose of Nevada. The film debuted last week at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it immediately captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Another really bold and distinct statement from Jenkin - ★★★★ Guardian
The screening marked a significant moment in Jenkin’s career, placing him once again on the international stage following the success of his BAFTA-winning Bait (2019) and critically acclaimed Enys Men (2022). With Rose of Nevada, Jenkin pushes his singular vision even further, blending his trademark hand-crafted approach to filmmaking with a compelling new narrative set against the rugged landscapes of Cornwall.
Early responses from the festival have been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising both the film’s bold aesthetic and powerful storytelling.
Guy Lodge in Variety wrote “the film seals its one-man-band creator (who takes sole writing, directing, editing, lensing, scoring and sound design credit) as a distinctive, now eminently recognizable arthouse voice.”
Peter Bradshaw for the Guardian gave the film four stars and described it as “an enigmatic drama steeped in loss, memory and the unsettling rhythms of coastal life...another really bold and distinct statement from Jenkin.”
Little White Lies magazine wrote “Mark Jenkin’s third feature film is a moving tale of personal versus communal sacrifice...a cracking cacophony of the analogue, coming off the gates whirring and spitting...an experience as moving as it is unnerving.”
Starring BAFTA nominees George MacKay (1917, Femme) and Callum Turner (Masters of the Air, The Boys in the Boat), Rose of Nevada is produced by Denzil Monk (Enys Men) for Bosena, developed with Film4, and co-financed by the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding) and Film4.
Falmouth University’s Sound/Image Cinema Lab also supported the production, with over 30 students and graduates from our Film and Television courses joining the crew during last summer’s shoot in Cornwall. Through the Sound/Image Cinema Lab, our students gained hands-on experience working in a range of areas, including production design, lighting, and post-production.
Mark Jenkin’s achievements reflect the spirit of creativity, risk-taking, and innovation that define our teaching. As a Distinguished Professor, Jenkin brings this energy directly into the classroom, inspiring students with his unique approach to filmmaking and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, sharing his expertise while continuing to challenge cinematic conventions.
Speaking to Variety magazine, Jenkin said: “I’ve got several graduates [from Falmouth] who I now work with in my core team. I always joke that I’m in a position where I can just cherry-pick the best of the students to come to work with me.”
Looking ahead, Rose of Nevada is set to continue its journey on the international festival circuit, with its UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and its US premiere at the New York Film Festival.
As Rose of Nevada makes waves around the world, its success shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent fostered at Falmouth University, proving once again that from Cornwall to the global stage, our community is shaping the future of film.
Lead image: Steve Tanner
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