London Film Festival Success For Local Short Films | |||
Council-backed shorts to screen at BFI Southbank
Two short films that won funding from the council’s film office have been selected to have their world premiere screenings during this year’s London Film Festival. Santa's Blotto, written and directed by Wandsworth resident Patrick Myles and starring Brian Blessed, and I-Spy, directed by borough resident Luke Rodgers, will be shown as part of the festival's London Calling event. London Calling takes place at the BFI Southbank at 6.30pm on October 16, and anyone wanting to attend can book tickets from 9.30am on September 24. Find out more at the BFI website. Patrick and Luke both secured funding for their projects after applying to The Shorts Film Fund 2011 last year. Patrick, a filmmaker in the early stages of his career, said: "I am extremely grateful for the support from Wandsworth Council, the Shorts Film Fund and Film London, without whom I would not have been able to bring Santa's Blotto to life. "I'm delighted that the film's world premiere will be at the 56th BFI London Film Festival amongst other short films conceived and made in London ." The short tells the story of seven-year-old Jonny, who doesn't get the Christmas present he asked for one year, prompting him to plan a little surprise for Santa the following year. I-Spy, which was filmed on location in Wandsworth, features eight-year-old Tom, who begins playing a detective game in an abandoned building where the game turns into something more than he bargained for. The Shorts Film Fund is a partnership between Wandsworth Film Office and Kensington and Chelsea, with support from Film London and Skillset. It aims to provide funding for the production and completion of short film projects. The Shorts Film Fund 2012 will be opening for submissions later this year. In the meantime, questions can be put to Maria Horn in the film office by emailing mhorn@wandsworth.gov.uk or calling 020 8871 7119.
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