UON students show-off short films on the big screen at local Film Festival

It was lights, camera, action for two teams of students at the University of Northampton, who put their directing skills to the max and submitted short films as part of a local film festival.

Taking place this year from 8-16 March, Northampton Film Festival is non-profit and exists to increase access to the film and creative industries. Each year it hopes to empower local people, provide a platform for underrepresented voices, and bring brilliant work from across the country to local audiences.

This year, the festival’s sold-out inaugural screening was hosted by the University of Northampton, alongside a networking and awards event. This offered the opportunity for young directors to screen a selection of shorts from the New Filmmakers category as well as Documentaries, Narrative Fiction and new Misfits and Mavericks categories – which included films directed by two teams of Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production students at the University.

The first team – Ellie Elliott, Joshua Gordon, Henry Dadswell, Mark Siner and Tom Knibbs – submitted ‘Boot Work’, a short film which follows no-good Harry, a hitman who finds himself in a world of trouble when a seemingly routine job goes wrong.

The second team – Daniel Elmer, Hannah Buxton, Milly Springle, Nataniel Teper – showcased ‘Who Has Done This?’, a short noir comedy film which follows Alex, a student-turned-detective trying to find out who used the last of his toilet paper.

On creating their short film, student Mark Siner said: “I always find the process of creating a movie a joy. This was my first time directing, but the whole process was brilliant – particularly when the whole team gives it 100% and the final cut is so much better than we expected.

“Northampton Film Festival was a fantastic experience, and we’re very thankful to Becky Carrier (Northampton Film Festival’s Director) for offering us the opportunity to share our work. Viewing our film on the big screen was brilliant, and I look forward to taking part next year – and who knows, maybe picking up an award!”.

Co-Director of ‘Who Has Done This’, Daniel Elmer adds: “Having the chance to Co-Direct a short film that made it to the Northampton Film Festival was amazing. It was wonderful to work with the team and producing a piece we were all proud of.

“Submitting our work was a simple process, and the support we had in reaching the festival has been amazing. We may not have won this year, but we are really happy to have been considered alongside this year’s extremely talented pool of films.”

“It’s vital for our students to get a real taste of submitting their creative work to film festivals” said UON’s Deputy Head of Culture: Media, Film and Special Effects, Anthony Stepniak.

“The standard of work displayed by both teams was fantastic, and I’m really impressed to see them putting their newfound skills to good use on the big screen. The process of creating a short film involves so much more than simply pointing and shooting a camera – it’s a real art form, which requires a keen eye, teamwork, marketing skills, and a relentless passion to create something new and innovative.

“The skills our students have learnt as part of this process will go a huge way in preparing them for entering the creative film industry after graduation, and working as our film directors of the future.”

All films showcased at this year’s Festival can be viewed here.

Find out more about Northampton Film Festival.