A JERSEY fisherwoman navigating a male-dominated industry is the subject of a new documentary by a 23-year-old filmmaker.
The film, called She Fishes, is directed by former JCG student Sabine Gilley and follows Gabby Mason of Jade-S Fisheries.
The documentary charts aspects of her daily work, including early-morning fishing trips, as well as processing her catch and selling it at local markets and restaurants.
It also explores how Ms Mason and her partner, Leyton Hunnisett, run their La Collette-based fishing business.
Bournemouth University master’s graduate Miss Gilley explained that she was inspired by her personal connection to fishing.
“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.”
The young 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 sector.
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, Ms Mason said she jumped at the chance to support another young woman who was also pursuing her passion in a challenging industry.
“I couldn’t pass an opportunity to support another younger female who is trying to stand out in a very male-dominated industry herself,” Ms Mason said.
The production process, according to both women, was not without its challenges, as the crew had to contend with unpredictable weather and tides, which sometimes delayed filming.
Ms Mason said: “That’s just, truthfully, part of the job. Fishing is very much a nature-dominated thing.”
One particularly memorable moment during filming occurred in an old boathouse where they were shooting an interview with Ms Mason. “We were trying to deal with these pigeons,” the fisherwoman 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 at Gorey Castle, Corbière Lighthouse, Rozel Harbour and St Ouen’s Bay.
ArtHouse Jersey director Tom Dingle said: “We were delighted to support Sabine Gilley as a local artist beginning her professional career as a filmmaker.”
As She Fishes enters its final stages of post-production, Miss Gilley explained it is set to première on the international film festival circuit.
There are also plans for future local screenings in Jersey and at Bournemouth University, where Miss Gilley and her crew studied and met. The director and subject of the film said they both hoped the work would 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,” Miss Gilley said.
Ms Mason added that she hoped the film would 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.
