"The director spent a good deal of time watching old competition footage, reading everything that had been written about the event online and even reaching out to past competitors to hear about their experiences. As a creative whose journey began in the world of theatre and opera, Constantine's curiosity for people and their stories has slowly drawn him to this kind of filmmaking over the years: "I've been exploring projects that shine a light on the unusual, the heartfelt, and the quietly extraordinary," he shares."
"His now award winning film The Golden Spurtle was no different. Following his research, the director went on to find a fair few characters to frame her take on the event: "competitors who had travelled from far away, locals who had been attending for decades, and the organisers who put so much heart into keeping it alive". As a community run affair, entirely run by volunteers from Carrbridge, there was no shortage of characterful locals to draw on for personal stories."
Constantine researched the porridge competition extensively, watching old footage, reading online accounts and interviewing past competitors. He found diverse characters: distant competitors, lifelong locals and dedicated volunteer organisers. The film balances humour and eccentricity with respect, capturing rituals, banter and quiet revealing moments beyond the competition itself. As a community-run affair entirely staffed by Carrbridge volunteers, the event offered abundant personal stories that shaped the porridge-making scene. The portrait of the Highland village is stripped back and raw, driven by sharp camera observations and a playful score. Influences include theatrical filmmakers and traditional documentaries.
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