More than 150 people attend Northampton film festival
Film-makers, Northamptonshire dignitaries and county production companies attended the second annual Film Northants competition in their droves.
Held at Vue cinema in Sol Central, Northampton, the evening saw eight shortlisted films showcased on the big screen and a selection of prizes handed out.
Film Northants 2009, a Chronicle & Echo contest, was launched in March and attracted a large audience at the red carpet screening on Tuesday evening.
After months of entries a panel of industry judges selected eight films for the shortlist, which were all shown on the silver screen with full surround sound on a digital projector.
The competition was open to anyone who was willing to shoot on location in Northamptonshire.
The shortlist was an eclectic collection including a surreal animation, a deaf film with subtitles, a mystery drama and several comedies with a twist.
There were four prize winners, including the winner of the new Judges' Choice award for 'an original short film which seeks to challenge the audience perspective', plus the first, second and third prize winner of the public vote.
The prizes included a large flat-screen television, film production workshops, cinema passes and film merchandise goodie bags.
The event was attended by film producers, the Mayor of Northampton and Batman costume replica maker Mark White (email xxwhiteyxx@live.co.uk).
Film Northants co-ordinator Lily Canter said: "This year we have grown on the success of the pilot year in 2008. The competition has been a far closer contest, the standard of films has risen and it was an extremely close run when it came to the public vote in particular.
"It is great to see so much talent in the county and to see so many people getting out there and filming, whilst putting a huge amount of thought and effort into their short films. It is really something to make Northamptonshire proud.
"I commend everyone who has taken part, and made this a really special night."
This year the event was supported by Vue Cinema, Aspect Ratio Productions, Heart, Reelscape Films, The University of Northampton, The Film Lab, 20th Century Fox and London Midland train line, who all helped with the promotion, prizes and judging of the competition.
The screening was followed by a packed champagne reception in St Peter's Church in Marefair.
WINNER: PUBLIC VOTE – NO STONE UNTURNED
DIRECTED BY MATTHEW AND ANTHONY DUMONT
Mat said: "We thought we had a good chance but when we were sitting there watching all of the films in the cinema I thought anyone could win it.
"We just wanted to get our film to the cinema and get onto the shortlist. It is a dream to see your film on the big screen."
Anthony added: "We only found out about the competition quite late. We watched last years' entries. We weren't sure if we would do it in time and we had a couple of false starts."
WINNER: JUDGES' CHOICE – TUHFAH
DIRECTED BY STACEY SWIFT
Stacey said: "I am definitely flattered. I was genuinely surprised and I was impressed by how strong the other entries were.
"The little boy in the film is a refugee from Afghanistan and grew up in a country where they weren't allowed television. So to see him in a film, was lovely.
"I shall certainly be back next year to have another go."
PUBLIC VOTE SECOND PLACE: IF ONLY I COULD
DIRECTED BY SHARMILA WALTERS
Sharmila said: "It feels great. I didn't expect it at all. I thought all the other shortlisted films were really good. It was a really nice surprise. I am really happy, I am over the moon.
"My next film is in production now."
PUBLIC VOTE THIRD PLACE: DEATH BY DEAFNESS
DIRECTED BY ALEX NOWAK AND JACK HUNT
Alex said: "We are very happy to have come third. It is the first time we have made a film and it has been very successful. It is a very encouraging start to a potential new career. It has also inspired us to enter other film festivals."
Jack added: "I would like to thank Film Northants for helping us on our journey."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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