When it comes to women on film, in whatever capacity, the statistics are surprisingly low. This is even worse when you turn your attention to Hollywood – that lowly number of female cinematic workers behind the camera is not only shocking, but also unbelievable. That’s not to say that all sexes don’t have a difficult time launching their product off the ground, but when your double X Chromosomed creatives try their hardest to get somewhere, it’s significantly more difficult (and even that is worse when you aren’t white or you are transgender). Nevertheless, there is certainly a place for us ladies of cinema and we do have a world out there, a network of vibrant talents buzzing with new ideas who can wield a camera, evoke a character and tell a story. These particular talents were celebrated at this year’s UnderWire Festival, now entering its fifth year of cinematic goodness.
For a start, the short film quality is at an all-time high. You can ask me this many times, but I believe the art of creating a good story and production in such a small amount of time is not only brilliant but it expresses an enormous talent. Concise and beautiful, evocative and stunning, the standard of short film on show this year was truly outstanding. Highlights include the incredible stop-motion animation The Bigger Picture, the Peter Pan modern retelling by Layke Anderson Happy Thoughts, the surreal dance with death RED and the quirky, surreal and poignant He Took My Skin Off For Me. That’s just four on an extensive list of movies that phenomenally lit the screens at The Yard Theatre, conveying the true excellence of the Short Film Industry and promoted new talents in the film world. Especially those ladies behind them.
Best Director – Claire Oakley for Tracks
Under 25 Award – Daisy Jacobs for The Bigger Picture (which our coverage of will come soon)
Best Cinematography – Gabi Norland for The Treehouse
Best Editor – Charlotte Gibsborg for Opponent
Best Writer – Annie Power for Caravan 9
Best Actress – Catherine Steadman for The Pig Child
Best Producer Award – Fiona Lamptey for He Took His Skin Off For Me
Best Score – Isobel Waller-Bridge for James
Best Sound Design - Ania Przygoda for Skinship
XX Award – GR Parris for A Moment To Move
If that doesn’t inspire you, than there was a series of talks and workshops that lit fire in the bellies of promising filmmakers. On Friday, in conjunction with the Writers Guild of Britain, a series of hosts held privy to industry secrets. Excavating the nature of misogyny in the film world, experiences that they faced in comedy and even journalism. Hosted by Rachel Castell in conjuncture with Loco Film Festival and Euroscript), a series of talks from acclaimed writers such as Paul Bassett-Davis, Kate Herron, Gabriella Apicella, Kefi Chadwick, Caroline Criado-Perez and many more highlighted the importance of women in cinema. As well as this, a much needed push was given to those dithering over their skill and talent. Though the general consensus is that women who write would need to work “twice as hard,” that shouldn’t put you off. You should do it – take a leap of faith in your own talent and write the next generation of cinema.
Onwards to 2015’s festival as 2014 was a complete triumph.
Keep an eye out for reviews on this years amazing shorts!