Chorleywood’s first Film Festival at the Memorial Hall (17 – 19 Feb), run by CW Film Club with CW Bookshop, proved an all round hit but the Saturday morning children’s slot was the highlight for many. Young people with parents, plus a few keen child-free adults, turned up to the Meet the Filmmakers session for the film competition results and were treated to talks and award winning films from three top animators / directors. Graham Ralph of Silver Fox Films explained how celebrities Bob Hoskins, Joanna Lumley, Andrew Sachs and Clement Freud brought his characters to life with skilful voiceovers in his film The Forgotten Toys and how Paul Carrack had given the story extra heart with a specially written song. He stressed how story telling is the key “whatever happens to technology”. Ed Foster, best known for directing children’s TV series Little Princess, said he had taken author Tony Ross’s Princess and developed her character, making her more rough and tumble. Liam Harris told of how he enjoyed using his art to portray typical life situations and how in his film Perched the main character takes a brave leap into the unknown.
Martin Clarkson hosted the event and presented the children’s film competition prizes, First place was awarded to Tierney Roche, 8, for her film Chorleywood Common-An Adventure. The judges commented on her rich humour, fun with excellent editing and her presenting. Although outside the competition criteria, Millie Insua (11) was recognised for her film Dance Life which portrayed the drama and conflict at a dance competition. Millie’s confidence in directing actors and her “clear sense of storytelling.” was applauded.
“ The whole weekend was a complete success and the films were well received” says Film Club Chair Keith Frost “And thanks to Ed Foster and The National Film and Television School we could show brilliant award winning short films as leads to the main screenings. We are already thinking about next year!”
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