FIFE’S energy and creativity in the movie industry will be demonstrated in a series of films being shown in Fife at the end of this month.
Two of the six films have been written by, directed by, and feature, Fifers.
The films have been produced through the Starting Block project, managed by Diversity Films film-making and training programme.
Launched in May last year, and supported by Celebrating Fife 2010, the scheme was open to new film-makers across Scotland, aged 16 and over.
For the Love of Lugosi is a personal story filmed in and around Glenrothes. It explores one man’s interest in old gothic horror movies and the effects that Aspergers Syndrome has had on his life.
This docu-drama is written and presented by D.T Wilson from Glenrothes, and directed by Andy Gregor from Dunfermline.
Derek Wilson said: “Working with Diversity Films has been an immense honour and privilege and such a first-time experience I will never forget.
“The film mentors have been very professional and helpful when it came to educating myself and the rest of my amateur film-crew on the skills needed to make a film. Moreover they did not tell us what to make or indeed how to make it, they just equipped us with the right tools and the skills needed and let us be the film-makers.
“The end products are highly original films that we are very proud of and we hope you will enjoy them too.”
Andy Gregor commented: “It has been great to learn filmmaking skills and have experienced mentors on hand to help deliver our Starting Block projects.
“The opportunity to tell a local man’s story and help raise awareness about Aspergers Syndrome would not have been possible without Diversity Films and their funders.”
Running Wild is a documentary featuring ultra-runner Fiona and describes how she overcame a brain haemorrhage by sheer force of will and stubbornness.
The film is made by her husband, Pete Rennie, and is shot around their home in Cairneyhill as well as locations across Scotland including the West Highland Way.
Pete Rennie commented: “I have really enjoyed my journey to become a filmmaker with Diversity Films and Starting Block, from a part time student learning all things to do with filmmaking, successfully submitting my film idea, to directing, filming and editing my own short film documentary. It just shows what an ordinary guy can achieve.”
Diversity Films is a community interest company working to nurture, train and develop a new generation of creative film-makers. The two Fife-made films were selected from a long list of fresh and thrilling ideas and finally chosen out of a shortlist of 15.
The six films cover issues ranging from disability to burgeoning sexual identity, from alcoholism to autism, and from farming to ultra running. The results reveal an emerging and inspiring talent, as well as a captivating image of Scotland today.
Starting Block premieres at the Glasgow Film Festival on Saturday, 19 February. The films will then be shown in various venues across Fife starting on Saturday, 26 February between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes.
Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of Housing & Communities Committee said: “The enthusiasm for the film industry within Fife is very exciting.
“Diversity Films encourages collaboration across communities and the Starting Block project opened a door of opportunity for raw and undiscovered talent.
“Celebrating Fife 2010 was proud to give its support to this venture which highlights the unlimited innovation and creativity alive in Fife today.”
For the full list of screenings and venues please view this release on www.welcometofife.com
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Fife Council. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Frances Chisholm
Phone: 08451 555 555 Ext 44 26 89
Email: frances.chisholm@fife.gov.uk
Website: http://www.welcometofife.com
