Swale Film Festival 2008 Report

Day One

Festival director Ken Rowles opened the festival at The Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne by welcoming everyone and introducing Carlo Duei, Executive Producer and Careers Advisor for Skillset the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media.
Carlo gave an insight into the film industry from an employers’ point of view, answering questions from students and offering valuable advice about how to succeed in the film and media industry.
At the end of the session the students were given handouts covering many of the issues discussed.
Also present was Simon Evans of Open Productions who showed us a short film called OPEN ROADS made by the young people of the  traveller community near Canterbury and The New Home Traveller Youth Club based in Sittingbourne. The story of The USS Richard Montgomery was then screened followed by a discussion about the film with Ken Rowles.
The final film of the evening was Sympathy for the Devil. Ken introduced the film explaining its background involving the altercation at the film’s premiere between Jean - Luc Godard and the producer Iain Quarrier.
After the screening, Ken rounded off the evening with a question and answer session for the audience.

Day Two

The evening started with Gabrielle Lidemann who is Kent Film Officer for KCC  and a member of the Kent Film and Television Board. She talked about the opportunities available to students and film makers within Kent. Ken then introduced Daniel Cormack who is a filmmaker and member of BECTU’S writer, producer and directors’ committee .He shared his experiences of making short, low budget movies that have found recognition on the national film circuit.
Daniel introduced the screening of his film ’Fitting Tribute’ followed up by a question and answer session.
After a short break the evening continued with the screening of a documentary showing the stunt filming for ‘The Italian Job’ followed by
‘On the Bridge’ a short film produced by Ken Rowles.
The evening was brought to a close by the actor/director Ken Colley. He introduced his films ‘Greetings’ and ‘Alligator’.
Ken Colley was joined in the audience by members of the cast and his cameraman.
After the screenings Ken talked about his ideas behind ‘Greetings’ and what inspired him to make the film. He also chatted to the audience about his time with George Lucas and his role in the Star Wars films.
Over on Sheppey there was a screening of the story behind the USS Richard Montgomery and the Oscar winning film ‘No Country for Old Men’.

Day Three

The day started with a morning workshop on animation held at The Healthy Living Centre, Sheppey. It proved very popular and was voted a great success by all those who attended.
Later in the afternoon the Screen on Sheppey showed  ‘The Golden Compass ,’ starring Nicole Kidman, Dakota Blue Richards and Daniel Craig.
The three-day festival culminated in an evening at the Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne.
The programme began with a short documentary about the Kemsley Light Steam Railway followed by ‘Raising a Riot’ a feature film shot on location in Kent and starring Kenneth More.
This was followed by the screening of the finalists’ films in the Swale Young Filmmakers’ Competition.
All the films that made it to the final were of a very high standard and impressed both judges and audience.
After each screening, the young filmmakers took to the stage to receive a certificate of participation from festival director Ken Rowles.
In true Oscar style the winning finalist was announced with the opening of an envelope by the Mayor of Swale. The winning film was ‘Catch 21 ’ made by Patrick Ireland and Sam Wise. They received a trophy and a visit to Pinewood Studios as their prize.

An award was also presented to Simon Evans of Open Productions and the young people from the New Home Traveller Youth Club, Sittingbourne for their film  ‘Vardo & Gry’ highlighting the gypsy way of life and its Kentish roots.
It is inspiring to know that there is a wealth of up and coming film talent in the local area.
We were then joined by writer/director Jan Dunn who introduced her latest film ‘Ruby Blue’ starring Bob Hoskins and Josiane Balasko and shot on location in Ramsgate.
She explained about her inspiration behind casting the film and filming in Kent.
After the screening, which proved very popular with the audience, Jan returned to the stage to talk in greater depth about the making of the film and to answer questions from the audience.

Ken brought the evening to a close by thanking everyone for supporting the festival with a special thanks to all the people behind the scenes who helped to make the festival happen.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Thank you for your support.
Any ideas and comments for next year’s festival!!!   Let us know.
Ken Rowles - Festival Director 01795 599003