SHORT SNAPSHOTS OF TRUE TALENT: NOKIA SHORTS 2006 FINALISTS REVEALED
– Amateur filmmakers in line to win a BIFA-
The five finalists of the Nokia Shorts 2006 Classic category are announced today. They will receive a massive boost to their film careers by having their entries screened at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) where the winner will be announced in the presence of the great and good of the film industry. The winner will take the ‘Best 15 Second Short’ BIFA away with them.
From animation to comedy, the finalists’ films are as eclectic and as inspired as ever and include a disastrous ballet audition, a cheeky granny and a forgetful dinosaur.
The finalists’ films can all be viewed on http://www.nokiashorts.co.uk and are as follows:
1. Chrysanthemums the Word – Toby Roberts
2. What’s the Point? – Katherine Taylor
3. Fate and Mr McKinley – David Lilley and Stephen Gray
4. Death of the Dinosaurs – Leilani Holmes
5. Ah, Youth – Paul Gilbert
Nokia Shorts presents the ultimate challenge to up and coming film makers – to create a film lasting just 15 seconds. The competition was launched in July by award winning director Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September; Touching the Void).
“We’re once again astounded by what aspiring film makers can achieve in 15 seconds. It just goes to show the incredible talent out there amongst UK grassroots film makers,” said Anna Shipley Communications Manager, Nokia UK. “This year we’re delighted to be able to offer the finalists a once in a lifetime chance to get in front of the people that matter at the BIFA awards – it’s a fantastic opportunity to get noticed!”
“Whether a film is feature length or just 15 seconds it’s all about creativity and inspiration and our finalists have shown that they have bags of both,” said Elliot Grove founder of Raindance and BIFA “The film industry is notoriously tough to break into so we’re really excited about giving these up and coming filmmakers a helping hand”.
Launched in 2003, Nokia Shorts is a collaboration between Nokia and Raindance, an organisation dedicated to fostering and promoting independent film in the UK. Once again this year, Nokia Shorts included a separate category for films made and edited entirely on a mobile handset. The handset category winner, The Tour of the House by Andy Kinnear and Céin McGillicuddy, was announced at the Raindance film festival on 8th October.