Kino Shorts 58: 1st July ’15

We have a jam packed programme of great films this month at Kino Manchester. Yes, Kino Shorts is back at the Three Minute Theatre this WED. Doors open from 7pm, programme starts at 7.3o.. Everyone is wellcome to attend and tickets are just £5 or £4 concessions (students/unwaged) – evidence must be shown please. Of course all the filmmakers will be present to answer questions about their films and to give you an insight into these mini masterpieces of short cinema.  Details of the progarmme and what’s on offer as follows (not in order of performance):

We’ll be kicking of with a word from our friend Darren Langlands and the team behind the future epic production. Perhaps not in person but will be giving a plug and screening of their crowdfunder for the “Last Man on Earth” featuring that famous Dr Colin Baker. You see what it’s about here.

We’ll have a music video by Ann-marie Colon, Unscene: Lucky Mask Productions of the Sheffield band Unscene.

THE SOUND OF THE CROWD by Keir Black, is a documentary portrait of the Manchester International Short Film Festival” as told entirely by the festival audience themselves. As they recount their festival film going experiences – the diversity of stories, moments and emotions they encountered – the power of short film, to affect and inspire, is revealed. THE SOUND OF THE CROWD also highlights the benefits that the Manchester International Short Film Festival brings to its region: its ability to foster new talent, to help in the growth of creative communities, and enrich the cultural life of the city.

We have unearthed some local new talent from the degree shows in Manchester and Salford and chosen the following three films for screening in this event. From Manchester Film School is this excellent comedic short, THE SWITCH (8m 28s)
Dir/Writ: Olly Philpott-Smith, and produced by Lauren Brown. A retail-working, wannabe chef, family man struggles to fight the urges he faces of murdering his family.

The Switch, Dir: Olly Philpott-Smith

Our next student film is a Manchester School of Art production. DRIFTING (13 mins), an experimental short by by student filmmaker Liam Francis. A man wakes alone on an unknown planet, there is no sign of his ship and he has no idea if he is alone. Aided by Ariadne, an artificial intelligence, John must journey through a traitorous landscape and overcome its obstacles in order to get back and leave the planet.The enduring tasks take him to the edge o fhis physical and mental capacity.

Drifting, Dir: Liam Francis

Our third student film is a animated short from Salford University Animation Department. SUPER HEROES IN TRAINING
Dir/Produced by Aaron Kneen and Cobi Elliot (10 mins). A group of budding super heroes live together when circumstances are turning against them.

We have two shorts created using poems for their narrative. A three minute documentary THE CLOWNS OF THE SEA.
Dir/Produced by Leanne Gater (3 mins), about Puffins, narrated with the poem “Nuffin’ Like a Puffin” by John Rice. Shot on location on the Farne Islands.

The Clowns of the Sea, Dir: Leanne Gater

Secondly, Kino favourite Adele Myers returns to Kino with her latest offerring BIRDFALL. Directed and produced by Adele Myers (4 mins). Based on a poem by Danica Ognjenovic. Whilst on a regular night out at their local, a group of women get a surprise when members of The Rooster Bike Club make a pit stop there.

Birdfall by Adele Myers

A PLATEFUL OF TONY is a comedy short Directed by Paul Coppack & Paul Sparkes. A short film loosely inspired by real life cannibal Armin Meiwes. ‘A Plateful of Tony’ explores the darkest of ambitions against the backdrop of lates 1990’s Lancashire. Cast Paul Birtwistle – John Paul Coppack – Tony Gemma Carcione – Woman Ian Wiggins – Man on Bench

These next two films by two Kino regulars. BLUE (9m 06s), is the latest film directed and produced by Velton Lishke, We follow ‘Blue’ a simple middle aged man who has an obsession with the blues brothers and lives at home with his dad as he tackles agency dating.. but not everything is as it seems.

THE REAPER’S LULLABY (4 min 30 secs), written, edited & directed by Kenneth James. An experimental film about a man who lost his precious innocence of life, decides now is the time to reclaim it in an one on one fight against the one who took it…the Grim Reaper himself.

We are pleased to have the latest short film from regular Kinoites Natalie Kennedy and Mark Callum. They’ll be joining us for the first public screening and we’ll no doubtl have a interesting conversation with these guys.

CINDERELLA NIGHTS (18 mins). with Mia Vore and Rebecca-Clare Evans. One night in the life of Paula Cusack and the lengths she goes to.to make ends meet, the hardships and dangers she faces and the difficulties she goes through to survive.

Cinderella, Dir by Natalie Kennedy

Finally, but not least, this supurb short from the 2014 slate of iShorts. HITS LIKE A GIRL (11 mins), Directed and written: Harry Sherriff, Produced by Marie Hazelwood, and sttarring Catherine Brown.

“Hits Like A Girl” is a raw coming of age story that follows Kay McKenna, a 19-year-old fighter from Toxteth who has a serious anger problem and a fractious relationship with her agoraphobic mother, Kathy.

Hits Like a Girl, Dir: Harry Sherriff

That’s the fun packed programme for this month, we hope you join us for what will surely be an interesting night of films and conversation, and time for networking too. See you there.