Film Reviews
BUXTON SHORTS FESTIVAL - Buxton Film
There is a massive amount of talent in Buxton and Derbyshire, demonstrated by all of the theatre, music and comedy across the Fringe. But did you know, we also have a vast amount of talented filmmakers?
The Buxton Shorts Festival is in its fourth year of presenting short films from Derbyshire based filmmakers and creatives. And with each year, more and more films are submitted, with the work getting stronger and stronger every time.
This year there were twelve films selected by the jury of professionals and filmmakers, with films made by groups of all ages, genres and levels of experience.
This line-up took us through horror, comedy, drama and animation: with shorts about time travel, vikings, murder and poetry. Each film was unique and made with love and care by its creators, with said creators having the opportunity to introduce their work and why they were showing it at the festival.
Once the screenings were done, the audience had the opportunity to vote for their favourite two films, a task that was extremely difficult after being presented with twelve very worthy films. While the audience votes were counted, we were treated to some archival footage of Buxton, from carnival days and the antique fair back in the 50s and 60s, to the rock festivals of the 70s.
Then we ended on the most anticipated part of the evening, the prizes. The winners of the Jury prizes were the films 'The Awakening' by Charon Williams-Ross and 'Ici Reste' by Rosy Carrick (in joint 2nd place) and 'Tabhanger' by Gavin Repton in 1st place. There was an added commended category which also awarded the films 'Matchmaker' by Angus Woodward and 'The Beerancular Attacks!' By Sparks Film School (a group of seven talented 9-11 year olds).
As for the audience vote: 2nd place went, once again, to 'Tabhanger' (a hilarious comedy about eavesdropping on pub-goers conversations) and 1st place was given to 'Second From The End' by Howard Smith (a black comedy about an unlikely murderous duo, with plenty of misunderstandings!)
Overall, it was a great evening with a packed audience, it was wonderful to experience the talent that Derbyshire has to offer, and to see just how many local people come out in support. I look forward to seeing what might be entered for the festival next year, and what local filmmakers continue to say through their storytelling.
Amy Powell
STONE OF STONE - Downfall Productions
The story told in this charming film echoes the adventure undertaken to create it by the residents of Edale in the Peak District. As they emerged from the isolation of pandemic restrictions Edale villagers took on a collective creative project that took each individual and their community on a four year journey that resulted in a tender, funny film for our times.
Set in the fictitious village of Stone, every aspect of this project was done by people in Edale who proudly describe themselves as ‘non-professional but not unprofessional’. Written by Mark Wallington, Directed by Al Boyd, with music written and performed by Bella Hardy, it is entirely filmed and produced locally. That is an extraordinary feat for a village of less than 300 people.
The story follows the villagers who come together to pull their place and people out of decline through a daring caper that goes terribly wrong but succeeds in restoring local confidence for a positive future together. ‘Go on, you can do it’ is a bit of a theme as the characters encourage bravery in each other and discover forgotten strengths. Along the way at least two romances blossom, teens and parents gain new respect for one another, and the ambitions of insensitive investors are scuppered. It is a story with rich texture and hope for our times. If Edale can produce this lovely film, what could your local community achieve through collaboration?
Following the premier in a barn earlier this year, this was only the second public screening of the film which is showing again on Sunday 19 July at the Place Hotel 6-8:15pm and well worth the £10 ticket. Then it goes on a tour of local venues until the end of this year, and then who knows where it might go. Catch it in; Chinley 2 & 7 Aug, Bakewell 14 Aug, Glossop 23 Aug, Sheffield 3 Sept, Chapel-en-le-Frith 16 Sept, Tideswell 8 Oct, Hathersage 30 Oct, or Edale 20 November.
Jean Ball
