A WEST Somerset artist, who admits she has very little knowledge of modern digital technology, has been sweeping up awards for a unique animated film which began life after she learned how to use the techniques on her smartphone, writes Martin Hesp.

What makes her success all the more remarkable is that Ann Farley - winner with highest overall marks at Frome International Climate Film Festival and also winner of the People's Award at the Little Theatre Bath - shot most of the film in a converted cupboard at home in the village of Roadwater.

Now, the six-minute animation, called The Man Who Mends Things, is on a tour of Westcountry venues, and has been receiving rave reviews.

Screenings can be seen at Roadwater Village Hall on Saturday (September 2) from 11 am to 6 pm.

Ann remembers: “It all started during the Covid lockdowns.

“The Man Who Mended Things was a real man named Eric, and all through the lockdowns he kept himself busy mending things.

“First, he started by fixing items of his own, but then people started bringing him other things.

“I was inspired by the story.”

Ann, who last year was awarded a four-month artist-in-residence posting at Somerset Film, said: “I thought we could all do a lot more to mend the things we use instead of throwing them away - and then I began to think how we could all take it upon ourselves to join in and help mend the planet.

“I think climate change is the biggest challenge humankind has ever faced.

“We are the cause behind it, and therefore we must be the solution.

“The film is about enabling everyone to do their part, however big or small it may be.”

To make the film, Ann had to learn how to use a stop-start animation app which had downloaded to her smartphone.

She then had to convert an upstairs cupboard so that she could carry on the slow, painstaking business of shooting frame-by-frame, day or night, with no changes in the available light.

At 12 frames per second, nearly 5,000 different images make up the overall six-and-a-half minute film.

Her daughter Hope said: “The Man Who Mends Things brings a strong message - one which speaks of the necessity for human teamwork to help save the planet.”

“This message was amplified for us last Christmas after mum suffered a major haemorrhagic stroke, leaving us with the possibility of no longer having her.

“We have been so lucky to still have our mother, who is now in miraculously good health and mind. But it also left us with a new-found respect for both our own lives and for the planet.

“We were reminded just how precious life is and how it is down to everyone to set about mending things.

“For mum, it started with her health - but now, as the months go on, she has started pottering around the garden once again.

“She is also returning to making art. It feels vital to share her film with as many people as possible.”

To see more of Ann’s work and learn about other film dates visit www.annfarley.com.