A Brace of Awards for Breakfast ...

I have just returned home from the closing night screenings of the Stratford-upon-Avon International Digital Film Festival. Over four days they have screened the best of independent digital film from all over the world. The closing offerings were One Last Drink Before Morning (UK), Fission (USA), Her Smile (South Korea) and A Dog’s Breakfast (Canada)

The screening was held in a much larger room with a lot more people in attendance than on Thursday when I was last able to get over there. I took Sarah with me this time and we settled down to watch the programme which began a little after 7pm.

The short films where very enjoyable and varied:

One Last Drink Before Morning
Director: JD Kelleher
Cast: Gareth Kieran Jones, Lesley McGuire
A late night dive, three barflys and a competition for a free drink.
Whoever has the saddest story wins … for once in their life.

Fission
Animated Short
Director: Kun-I Chang
A man sees himself as graffiti on the wall.

Her Smile
Narrative Short
Director/Writer: Minji Kang
Cast: Chrystine Yeh, Lindsay Kojima, Shine Inn
A young prostitute yearns for love while working in the
red-light district of South Korea.

The main film of the evening was A Dog's Breakfast - and as I settled back to watch it for a second time in a week I counted myself as lucky to be one of the few people in the world to have had the privilege of viewing this movie. It was just as witty and amusing the second time around.

After the screenings we had some refreshments kindly provided by the Festival organisers and I had a chance to chat to JD Kelleher about his excellent short film One last Drink Before Morning

JD is seen here with Sarah who was made an honourary "Film Maker" and is wearing her badge with pride.

Then came the award presentations. The organisers gave a brief speech saying what a high standard of entries there had been to the Festival this year and explaining that the judging and selection of award winners had been done, not by them but, by an independent panel.

The first to be announced was for Best Actor and it was a thrill to hear that this had been awarded to David Hewlett.

His future father-in-law, Mr Don Loughman went up to accept the award in David's place. He explained how sorry David and Jane were not to be present at the Festival and thanked the organisers for doing such a good job. He mentioned how grateful David was to the 70 or so people who had worked on the movie to bring it to fruition.

But that was not the end of the film's success story because, just a few moments later, came the news that it had been awarded Best Feature Film. Fantastic news and well deserved recognition for a great film!



So Hurrah!! for ADB - may it continue to go from strength to strength,
and well done to David, Jane, Kate, Paul, Mars and all the cast and crew.

AMx

A Dog's Breakfast ...

Yay! I finally got to see David Hewlett's wonderful movie, "A Dog's Breakfast", on Thursday at the Stratford-upon-Avon International Digital Film Festival. It was worth the wait - a witty, intelligent comedy, with excellent performances by David and the rest of the cast including (of course) Mars the dog in his film debut! A skillful piece of storytelling this, cleverly filmed and enhanced by a perfect soundtrack, the subtle nuances of performance are a joy and would bear watching time and time again, (indeed I am returning on Saturday to do just that).

One couldn't have imagined a more perfect directorial debut for David Hewlett - it is to be hoped that, once released on DVD (scheduled for Autumn 2007 in North America by MGM), the film achieves the success that it so richly deserves. It is to be hoped also that David has many more stories to tell in the coming years. In an age of overblown special effects and over-reliance on CG - we need more films that put plot and performance first.

David Hewlett is a star, not just for his acting performances, the writing and directing (if those were not enough), but for the energy, enthusiasm, drive and determination with which he has brought his dream to reality. He has made his own opportunities, taken a chance and not been content to sit back and take the comfortable path. His obvious delight in the whole film making and internet marketing process is infectious and endearing, and his charm is such that those who come into contact with it almost inevitably end up invested in helping him to achieve success for his endeavours. Put simply - his attitude is inspiring!

Believe me - "A Dog's Breakfast" was worth every ounce of effort expended upon it - congratulations must go to David, Jane and everyone else involved with the project.

AMx

Seeking Sanctuary ....

Just a quick(ish) entry - I have so many things backed up to Blog about but noooooooo time to write Arrghh.

So - today was the day that the first episode of Sanctuary was due to hit the Web. This is a new concept in Web based entertainment being a full production episodic SciFic series based on the web. Starring Amanda Tapping of Stargate fame and with guest rolls by lots of other well known folks such as the popular *grin* and talented David Hewlett. Each webisode of Sanctuary follows the exploits of Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis) as she seeks out all manner of terrifying and monstrous creatures. She is aided in her quest by her reluctant protégé Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne, Dawson’s Creek, The Big Hit, Species 3) and her intrepid, if somewhat reckless, daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup, Battlestar Galactica). Together they are drawn into a frightening and mysterious world populated by beings that defy explanation. Sanctuary was created by veteran science fiction writer and producer Damian Kindler and directed by Martin Wood (Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis). Kindler, Tapping and Wood serve as executive producers along with N. John Smith (Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis).

Unfortunately the Sanctuary For All site promptly died under the weight of so many connections and as I write is currently down. However by the time you read this, gentle reader, they will probably have it all up and running again so by all means click the links and enter the world of Sanctuary. But prepare to become addicted and obsessed (don't say I didn't warn you).

Mindful of the fact that everyone was eagerly awaiting the very first episode, the directors (bless them) have posted it on YouTube. Obviously this is not the crisp HD version that you would be able to enjoy on the site but it is certainly better than nothing. Much, much better in fact - even in this format it is very, very atmospheric.

Enjoy:

And in other news - the talented Mr Hewlett's movie 'A Dog's Breakfast' is to be shown at the Stratford-upon-Avon International Digital Film Festival which runs from May 23th to May 26th 2007. The movie is due to be screened at 11am on Thursday 24th and at 7pm on Saturday 26th. Tickets are free but on a first come first served basis on the day of the screening.

OK - thats all for now ....
AMx