Tag Archives: Bonsai

First-ever Sundance London Short Film Competition Winner Announced.

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EXTRANJERO WINS FIRST-EVER SUNDANCE LONDON SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Film by Daniel Lumb and Crinan Campbell from north London to screen at Sundance London

Extranjero, a five-minute film from Daniel Lumb and Crinan Campbell, was announced today as the winner of the Short Film Competition at the first-ever Sundance London film and music festival, 26-29 April at The O2. The film will screen as part of the official Short Film programme at the festival and is available for immediate viewing here.

Extranjero, shot over just two days, gives the viewer a unique and unusual take on immigration as it follows a refugee trying to run from his past as well as the confusion in his own mind. Lumb, 32, from north London, and Campbell, 31, also from north London, met as flat mates six years ago and submitted the short film after friends encouraged them to.

Launched in November 2011, the Short Film Competition, a collaborative effort with the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Ravensbourne, invited UK-based filmmakers to enter original pieces between three and five minutes in length around the theme ‘Story of Our Time.’ In addition to Extranjero, finalists for the competition were: Bonsai, by Ben Williams; Two Doors Down, by Scott Ward; The Story of Our Time, by Sam Gould; and This Film Was Shot on Digital, by Ian Waldron Mantgani.

Lumb said: “Extranjero is quite an experimental film. We wanted to comment on people you don’t really know about, and Extranjero was the result. Winning the competition is a dream for both us. As film geeks it’s amazing to be associated with Sundance.”

Trevor Groth, Director of Programming for the Sundance Film Festival, said: “The jury was struck by the high level of craft and ingenuity in the submissions. Filmmakers embraced the theme ‘Story of Our Time’ and created wonderfully diverse and entertaining films. Ultimately the jury selected Extranjero for its commanding cinematic storytelling and arresting visuals that offer an alternate perspective on an imperative global issue.”

Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council added: “We are delighted to support Sundance London, and this competition will help showcase our local filmmakers to the world. The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a wealth of locations that includes everything from industrial warehouses, the largest expanse of parkland in London, historic buildings and a wealth of riverfront locations. The rich diversity of locations makes Royal Greenwich an ideal backdrop to film and have attracted productions as diverse as Children of Men and Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Previously announced events and performances for Sundance London include: a rare intimate concert performance by Placebo; Tricky and Martina Topley-Bird performing Maxinquaye; a performance by Rufus and Martha Wainwright following the world premiere of Lian Lunson’s film about the music of their mother, folk singer Kate McGarrigle; and screenings of 14 feature-length and eight short films from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A.

Sundance London, supported by Presenting Partner Sony Entertainment Network, takes place 26-29 April at The O2. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.sundance-london.com.

19th Raindance Film Festival Highlights

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After Fall, Winter is a sexy love story about a French dominatrix who falls in love with a New York writer in Paris. It is directed by Eric Schaeffer and has the talented Rebecca Jameson in a smaller role. Well worth a watch.

Some of my favourite films that I saw at the Raindance Film Festival were short films.

Death of A Pop Star was an impressive short about A personal physician and the characters in the home of an ailing celebrity. 

Dying Everyday was a wonderful slice of life short from Spain, a short that managed to entertain the audience despite the fact not much happened.

Gin & Dry is a booze heist film set in an old people’s home at Christmas, Oscar Plewes short is funny and entertaining.

Ketchup was a very good film with a tragic ending.

Russell Harbaugh’s Rolling on The Floor Laughing is a high end short film about two grown sons who return home for their widowed mother’s birthday, only to find themselves competing with her new boyfriend for her attention. A well made film that’s worth watching.

Jeremy Craig’s Terrebonne is a visually stunning film. The lead actress is Jessica Heap is a beautiful actress destined to be a movie star.

The Potential Wives of Norman Mao and Exit were also good short films.

I went to the UK Premiere of Bonsai, directed by Cristian Jimenez. The film is from Chile and I thought it was brilliant. Cristian couldn’t be there but filmed an introduction for the film. It tells the story of young writer, Julio, who turns to the romance he had 8 years earlier with the beautiful Emilia when both were studying literature in Valdivia when he gets dropped from writing for a famous author because his asking price is too high. We’re told from the beginning that Emilia dies and Julio remains alone, but don’t let that put you off. It is a wonderful, sensual film. Catch it if you can.

After Bonsai was the closing night gala after party, I bump into Rory O’Donnell and I met some other talented people. I didn’t get home to 2am, can’t wait until next year.