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Film Festival Feature by Amaliah S. Marmon-Halm
LSFF – Creative England i-Shorts Showcase Hackney Picturehouse 11/01/2017
Shamas
In a packed out screen, on the top level of the cinema, we all waited to see what the latest offering of shorts curated by Creative England had in store. These 6 shorts showcased a mixture of work from budding filmmakers based outside of London, all wanting to prove that they are the future of British filmmaking. As usual, this selection didn’t disappoint.
The Crossing by Jack King
Terry hasn't had the easiest time. He’s just found out that he’s infertile and he’s failing to cope with the breakup of his relationship. Top that off with constant nightmares he’s been having and a profound uncertainty about his future, his life isn't in the best of places. When a chance meeting with his ex-girlfriend occurs, he decides that it’s time to face his fears head on.Terry’s internal torment is highlighted by a reoccurring dream of a little girl on a beach as well as memories from his broken relationship. Very moving, as the topic of loss and confusion is so relatable. And how our own mind can tear us to shreds as well as bring us back to reality.
TRIGGA by Meloni Poole
Growing up is hard and wanting to grow up as a horse can make life that little but harder. Especially is you have a gang of bullies tormenting your every move. Trigga is a well-composed story that reminds the audience that despite the challenges you may face, you always win in the end if you choose to be yourself.
Chippy Tea by Will Herbert
Friday night’s chippy tea is a tradition for the Railton girls, but this particular Friday would change things forever. An unexpected guest and family secrets will all be brought to the surface. The 90s comedy feel of this short is reminiscent of films like About A Boy, with a touch of Spaced. A very delicate touch of nostalgia that adds a nice sense of familiarity.
Wash Club by Simon Dymond
As a journalist, sometimes the struggle to find that story is a hard one. But what you don't expect is create the story yourself. Well, that’s exactly what happens in Wash Club. Based on a true story from the late 90s, a journalism student tries everything he can to investigate a secret society after hearing one of his flatmates friends boast about his venture with them.
Shamas by Myriam Raja
Shamas tells the refugee narrative from another perspective. Set in England, in an alternative present, against the backdrop of a mass refugee crisis, people struggle to survive. Separated into groups of low and high priority, resentment and often danger lurks around the camp. Amongst the chaos and uncertainty of what lies ahead, is one young man who must question his own humanity when his need to survive takes precedence. How far is he willing to go? A thrilling short film of struggle with a very strong narrative.
Belle and Bamber by Alex Forbes
If Sesame Street, Labyrinth, Drop Dead Fred and Chucky had a weird film baby, this would probably be it. A twisted comedy about a young girl and her increasingly homicidal imaginary friend. Belle is a 10 year old girl with a thirst for adventure, he, an imaginary blue monster. They are the best of friends. They want nothing more than to spend their days playing but when Belle’s mother tires of Bamber’s influence, she pressures her to grow up and forget her friend. But this makes Bamber very upset…
Weird, funny and really quite dark, this is a very entertaining short that still has those all important moments that make you say “wait, what?!”.
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