Cornerhouse Digital Reporter Treise O’Brien takes a look at the student films on offer in the third competition screening of exposures…
This programme offers an eclectic mix of genres – you’ve got documentary, drama, experimental and animation. And with the majority of the films nominated for an award at this year’s festival you’ll definitely come across something you really like.
The first film, Scars You Can’t See, by Honey Crespo is a short documentary that leaves you feeling hopeful through a circular narrative. It’s an engaging documentary telling a personal story about a woman’s life with a cleft palate. Some great shots in this one – beautiful and heart warming.
Lost Tracks by Jon Stanford is set in the gorgeous Shropshire countryside, it looks sumptuous but as we discover surroundings do not always tell the whole story. It has a Cemetery Junction feel to it but at the same time is a slice of real life. For those of us that have felt like we’re stuck in a small town with the wonders of the wide world a far reach away you can relate to the main character Tobi. This film also features the appearance of John Challis, of Only Fools and Horses fame.
The Perfect Day is a simple, beautifully shot film about a day in the lives of an aging couple.
The Making of Longbird by Will Anderson is an animation and live action film. It’s a funny and sweet film of an animated character’s relationship with it’s animator. Great ending, but I won’t spoil it for you – just check it out.
Let There be Animal tells the story of a young man new to London who is possibly changed forever after experiencing violence on the streets. The film asks a couple of moral questions that really gets the viewer thinking.
Birds & Bee Stings by Ben Whitehead is an experimental film, where you the viewer can create your own meaning. There’s lots of male genital imagery and flashing images. It’s great to watch, as it’s just something we don’t see very often. The story of a man’s take on emotional difficulties and sexual desire is a must see.
Secret of Confession by Agata Jagodzinska tells the story of a devout catholic woman who has an obsession about sex and sexual desire that is ruining her work and her family life, but not as you might think. This is a great short film that is well shot and very honest. It really taps into middle age concerns for ‘ the youth of today’.
To round up, I thoroughly enjoyed this programme of films and would recommend this exposures competition screening for its diverging genres and the fantastic crop of aesthetic assortment. There really are some very interesting short stories.
Competition Screening: Programme 3 screens at 20:30 on Tue 21 Feb. Book your tickets here.