VIDEO
ALONG with music festivals and exhibitions by internationally renowned artists and photographers, the Island now has another string to add to its creative bow — thanks to the first Isle of Wight Short Film Festival.
Aimed at encouraging Islanders to pick up a camera and make their own films, the festival was declared a resounding success by organisers following an awards ceremony at the Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts, on Saturday.
Nicola Mills won the drama prize for Toughest Girl In The World, about growing up on the Island, while Robin Whitehead and Graham Pountney’s Eyecatcher, about contact lens-wearing Ernest the cat, scooped the documentary award.
Isle of Wight College student Bryony Young won the under-19s prize for her documentary, Carnival Explosion, while the judge’s special award went to Jamie Williams.
Bruce Webb, who organised the festival with Eric Lawson, said he was delighted more than 70 people entered the competition.
"We were only expecting 20 or 30 films at most, so it was fantastic," he said.
"There were films about bullying, love and Island history — a real mix of subjects. Some had really high production values while others were made by people who just grabbed a camera, and the quality was very good. The Isle of Wight is a quirky place and the festival really reflected that.
"For the first time in history the Isle of Wight has a voice in film, along with music and photography. Island film makers are definitely developing their own style, which is a great thing."
Mr Webb said he hoped to make next year’s festival an international event, and open it to foreign films.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk
Isle of Wight Short Film Festival awards ceremony.
Video produced by Andrew Wilks.
www.iowfilmnetwork.org.uk
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