Best of British: Made in the South West
Best of British: Made in the South West.
One of the most popular events of the 14th International Short Film Festival was the ‘Best of British: Made in the South West' screening which occurred three times over the course of the festival. The screening on Saturday was shown with subtitles and audio description for those with visual impairments.
Starting with a film inspired by the very early days of cinema was Mark Simon Hewis' The Life Size Zoetrope. With the use of a fair ground ride and a large group of volunteers, Mark created an animation in the style of William Horner's 1834 creation which was originally called the Daedelum (Wheel of the Devil) until it was patented in the 1860s. The American developer named it the Zoetrope meaning ‘wheel of life' which reflects Mark's animation in which he takes us through the journey of life from the womb to the grave. The film received commendations from both 4mations International Newcomer in Animation Award and ITV West Award.
Animation Keith Reynolds Can't Make It Tonight directed by up and coming young animator Felix Massie had the audience laughing out loud with it's comedic voice over and farcical storyline. This is talent worth watching and an animator we will undoubtedly see much more of in the near future.
Saul Freed's The Red Suitcase was yet another rib tickler with a cute and humorous story about family and how the power of music can cause some life changing distractions.
September, directed by Esther May Campbell, was premiered earlier this year and has created quite a buzz. It depicts a magical encounter between a young girl learning to fly and a young man who is not going anywhere. September won the £1,000 Best of British Award. The jury were impressed with the film's combination of realism and magic, and its story-telling perfectly suited for its 21 minute screen time.
What's Virgin Mean? one of this year's DepicT! entrants therefore being only a minute in length humoured the audience with it's realistic awkwardness and hilarity of every parent's nightmare. Directed by Michael Davies, the film received the new NFTS DepicT! Special Mention Award.
Set against the backdrop of some of the South West's inspiring coastline, Nice beaches, directed by Shafeeq Vellani, showed how one day's reluctant encounter becomes a moment of significance for two characters.
Nathan Hughes' The Invitation displayed an unusual newfound bond between a couple at war.
Working with two talented young actors, young director Geoffrey Taylor, created a truly magical short film Breathe in which a young boy creates his own wonderland inside the mundane and depressing world of his mother's workplace. Geoffrey also gave a talk for young and aspiring filmmakers on Saturday having made his first award winning film at the age of 18 with First Light Movies.
The festival's stand-out film from the south west was Leaving, by Richard Penfold and Sam Hearn, which took home the £1,000 prize in both the South West Screen Audience Award and the ITV West Award. The film impressed both audiences and juries alike for its bold insight into domestic violence and was described as ‘emotionally gripping'.
K. Kesh Tsakpo's, Detour, had audience members gripping the edge of their seats. An original idea combined with great acting and suspense made for an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.
The Weatherman, directed by Will Becher ,was an animated treat, a comical take on the role of a person we listen to day to day. The film was a much appreciated light-hearted relief following heart-rendering and fast pulse inducing drama.
The last screening of the collection was Don't let It All Unravel directed by Sarah Cox. The animation was a fantastic ecological statement on the effects of global warming.
This collection of short films ensured viewers that the South West region is bursting with talent and told cinema-goers and filmmakers alike to ‘watch this space' quite literally.
