A FILM written and directed by a Hereford man has won international acclaim.

The Financial Times was just one of many media outlets to lavish praise on Jellyfish, describing the movie as “funny, touching and vividly memorable”.

And 34-year-old James Gardner will certainly be getting more pats on the back when he returns home to see the film at the Borderlines Film Festival at The Courtyard next month.

James, a former student at Hereford College of Arts, wrote Jellyfish with Simon Lord and the film stars several Bafta nominees.

It’s a gritty picture of volatile 15-year-old Sarah Taylor, a target for school bullies who spends every spare hour in a dehumanising job in a seaside arcade to put food on the table and care for her younger brother, sister and mentally unstable mother.

Sarah’s break comes when her drama teacher pushes her to channel her acerbic nature into performing a comedy routine for the school’s graduation showcase, revealing a hidden talent for stand-up.

But circumstances intervene, and the devastating consequences of her mother’s mental state leave Sarah with an impossible choice between her newly discovered passion for comedy and her responsibilities as a carer.

“Originally, I began with the idea of a teen girl discovering her talent for stand-up and finding her familial circumstances were getting in the way,” said James.

“But as I wrote, I realised it was not just about a teenage girl, it was about a carer. It evolved from there.”

The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School alumnus, who went on to win a place at the UK’s National Film and Television School with his first short film, ‘Two Dancers’, now lives in London, but still has close links with his home city.

“I’m really looking forward to the showing in Hereford.

“It’s great - I was born and raised in Hereford and my parents still live in the county, so it really feels like something of a homecoming.

“I think my mum has packed the theatre with family and friends!”

Dad Ian added: “That the film has won critical acclaim is really rewarding, as very few truly independent films are being made now.

“I’ve seen the script grow from the original, I’ve seen the passion that’s gone into it and the real integrity of it.

“People are genuinely moved by it, and it really shines a light on the world of some young carers.”

Delighted mum Jackie added: “We’re incredibly proud - James has shown such determination and tenacity in seeing the whole project through.”

n Jellyfish will be shown at The Courtyard on March 12 and 13, with a special post-screening Q&A session with James after the first show.