THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR YORKSHIRE FILMMAKERS (20/08/2010)
Harrogate produced animated short The Astronomer's Sun has beaten a strong shortlist of contenders to take the inaugural Northern Futures Award in the film category. The filmmakers were presented with their award and £1500 prize money at a glittering ceremony in Barnsley this week by Caroline Cooper Charles, Head of Creative Development at Sheffield's internationally renowned Warp Films.
The runners up in the Film Category were also from the region - Dominic LeClerc (Dir, Bradford) for Night Swimming and Protect Me From What I Want and Aurora Fearnley, Matt Maude and Jamie Donoughue. (Left Eye Blind) (Dir, Prod) (Leeds) for Sanjari and Grammatics - The Vague Archive. The Astronomer's Sun, Night Swimming and Protect Me From What I Want, were all produced on Screen Yorkshire's Digital Shorts scheme run in partnership with the UK Film Council, which brings together individuals from across the region to form creative teams and has played a vital role in progressing filmmakers' careers since its launch in 2003.
The Astronomer's Sun, a stunning animated short film made in a potting shed in Ilkley, marks the directorial debut of Simon Cartwright and Jessica Cope. It was produced by David Bunting and Peter M Kershaw at Harrogate based production company Duchy Parade Films on the 4mations strand of the Digital Shorts scheme run by Screen Yorkshire in partnership with Channel 4 and The UK Film Council.(Image: David and Simon receive their award). This is the first award for the animation, which has enjoyed considerable success on the international film festival circuit since it had its premiere as part of the British Animation Awards tour in February, where it was nominated for Best Short Film and received a special commendation. Key selections include; The Seattle International Film Festival (USA), The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival Toronto, the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival.
The Astronomer's Sun screens locally at The Chapel Allerton Short Film Festival, Monday 30th August 2010, at the Seven Arts Centre, Harrogate Road, Leeds from 7-10pm. Tickets available £5/£3 cons in advance from Radish and Love Organic in Chapel Allerton
Caroline Cooper Charles, Head of Creative Development, Warp Films says:‘‘It's been a real honour and delight to be involved in judging the Northern Futures film category. So many events and awards fail to recognise the wealth of creative talent that exists outside London and seeing so many fantastic films shortlisted together was a great reminder of what they are missing.''
Directors Simon Cartwright and Jessica Cope say:
"We love how in Victorian times all these scientific ideas were still developing and especially in literature science was used to explain magical and supernatural things happening. It seemed to be a period where anything would be possible if it could be understood and that's reflected in our film. We really want people to feel like they've seen something different and memorable, which will stay with them. It's common for short animation to make people laugh but it was always our goal for our audience to react emotionally.''
Producer David Bunting said: ‘'Northern Futures Award is such a fantastic celebration of emerging creative talent in the North of England. We were honoured and so excited to receive the award for Best Film for The Astronomers Sun. It was a great night.''
Director of Northern Futures, Patrick Murphy praised the judges for their contribution to the Northern Futures Award ‘'The judges job was not an easy one, their choices reflect a truly dynamic and exciting selection that will contribute to the continued cultural renaissance of the north of England in future years. All winners and runners up are under the age of 40 and show fantastic future potential. Whether it's through the work of The Beatles, Damien Hirst, Vivienne Westwood or Henry Moore the north as made a huge contribution to the cultural landscape of this country, and will continue to do so.''
2010 marks the first year of the Northern Futures Awards. It will now be an annual event with music being added to next year's categories. The awards were open to all artists, designers and filmmakers aged between 21-40 born, living or working in the North of England (as defined by Arts Council areas Yorkshire, North West and North East). There was £1,500 cash prize for the winner from each category and two runners up per category who each received £250. Each category shortlist was judged by a panel of leading industry champions. Prizewinners and runners up from each category are showcased at the Northern Futures Award Exhibition at The Civic, Barnsley between 28 July and 11 September 2010. Find out more at: www.northernfutures.co.uk.
