Taking place @ The Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh, every second Monday of the month @ 19:00
As well as being an art in themselves, short films are the starting point for most filmmakers on which they cut their teeth, hone their style and find their first fan base. With an active film scene in Edinburgh and a not unsubstantial number of filmmakers based in the city, it’s a surprise that no single event recognises and celebrates this rite of passage in the film world. Until now.
This Monday sees the launch of a new film night dedicated entirely to short films. Taking place every month, Write Shoot Cut is a chance to see a selection of local, national and international short films, as well as taking part in a Q and A with their makers. In the under-appreciated and wonderfully secret Banshee Labyrinth Cinema, the screenings will be followed by an informal chat and drinks for those looking to do a bit of networking.
“It’s a collective film experience,” explains Neil Rolland, the creator of Write Shoot Cut. Himself a filmmaker and one third of Little City Pictures, the event is an extension of his increasingly prominent blog of the same name.
“This is a gap in the market – there’s a lot of short filmmakers out there but no sites, or publications, or evenings dedicated to them. In my blog I interview filmmakers, but try to get to know them personally instead of on a superficial level. I wanted to do something people would read, and now I want to create a similar evening that people will enjoy and come to month after month. It’s something that I’m in for the long haul.”
As a completely free event, Write Shoot Cut is all about getting people interested in – and watching – short films. “It’s not going to be cliquey; its an open forum with loads of different kinds of people getting involved and coming along.”
“People make short films for them to be seen,” he explains. “The idea is to give filmmakers a chance to show them, and for people to have a chance to see them in a real cinema. And then everyone can do some networking and hopefully make some useful contacts.”
With film submissions made directly to Rolland who then sifts through to find the most intriguing, notable or thought-provoking glimmers of talent, the micro festival lasts no longer than an hour and a half. And with the chance to see a good five or six films without losing your whole evening, there’s very little excuse not to make an appearance at this quirky addition to Edinburgh’s film scene.
MARCH’S LINE UP:
Office Romance 2.0
A secretary embarks on a very modern office romance with an unexpected co-worker.
Director: Leon Chambers
Writer: Keith Storrier
Somebody’s Daughter
Molly, a young hitchhiker, gets a lift with a troubled older man. His efforts to prolong their journey begin to unnerve her, does he mean to harm or protect her?
Writer/Director: Gareth Peevers
Zombie Asockalypse
Prepare for a night of total terror as a band of misfits hidden in an isolated farmhouse face the onslaught of an army of sock puppet zombies.
Director: Paul Bruce
Writers: Paul Bruce, Gregor Fergie
Brighton
A young man with Asperger’s travels to Brighton to confront his father over his parents’ separation.
Directors: Gez Medinger, Robin Schmidt
Writer: Robin Schmidt (story)
Sons of Spielberg – Episode One
Comedy based on the real experiences of three film-makers trying to make a career for themselves in Dundee.
Writer/Directors: Liam Johnston/Stuart Hamilton
Paris/Sexy
Greer’s weird. Everyone in the Village thinks so…
Greer lives in a ramshackle woodland farmhouse with her father, Ivan, a failed gamekeeper who has a chronic mental illness. Isolated and ostracised by the nearby villagers, Greer works in a care home and monitors Ivan. Greer is troubled by her burdens. She loves her Dad but dreams of a life lived in colour.
Writer/Director: Ruth Paxton