BBC Film 2005
David Parkinson​​​

The Raindance Film Festival 2005
​Festival Programme

​…But even more impactful is Guy Rowland's Sam Jackson's Secret Video Diary, which adopts a documentary approach to investigate the disappearance of a twentysomething TV researcher who has been compiling tapes about her lonelyhearts encounters in the hope of landing a programme deal. It's a bit rough-and-ready in places - but all is explained by the revelation that the film's star, Posy Miller, died during the shoot and that this ingenious storyline has been concocted around the usable footage. This may not be the most accomplished piece of film-making at this year's Raindance, but it's certainly the most heartfelt and courageous.

​In this drama-masquerading-as-documentary, director Guy Rowland weaves together found footage and new scenes to create a gripping story. ‘Sam’s’ videos, were made prior to the rest of the film, and it is the truth behind these that add a poignancy that eludes many a filmmaker’s best efforts. To reveal all would take away from the picture; suffice to say, congratulations should be given to the ingenuity, resolve and love that must have been required by all to realise this project. 

BIFA 2005 - The Raindance Award - Nomination