Panel of Industry Professionals announced for Liverpool Film Night 2017
FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) has announced the panel of distinguished professionals participating in Liverpool Film Night 2017 on 22 November. The panel of experts, representing a diverse range of roles within the film industry, will invite the audience to ask questions about filmmaking and their respective areas of expertise, as well as discussing the showcased films.
Liverpool Film Night is Merseyside’s longest standing film event dedicated to supporting and showcasing local film talent. This year’s selection of films will be curated by filmmaker, artist, and senior lecturer in filmmaking at Liverpool John Moores University Demelza Kooij, who will also act as the evening’s host. Other panel members are David A Hughes, award-winning composer and producer; Carl Loughlin, actor and filmmaker specialising in LGBT films; and Helen Walsh, author and director. Together they will take to the stage for a Q&A session following the screening of the selected short films.
Carl Loughlin, whose new short film Tellin’ Dad (2017), starring Ricky Tomlinson, was screened at FACT earlier this week ahead of Liverpool Pride, says: “I’m thrilled to be on the panel for Liverpool Film Night as I think it’s important to highlight and celebrate local talent on and off the screen. I encourage everyone to get out there, get filming, get collaborating and get entering!”
Tellin’ Dad will also be screened at Manchester and Bolton Pride. A DVD release is planned for November.
Filmmakers working in any medium are invited to submit their films for consideration for this year’s event. All genres are welcome – with the only restrictions being that the film must have been made within the last 18 months, be no more than 15 minutes in length, and be made in Liverpool or have cast or crew from the city region. The deadline for submissions is on 29 September.
Offering local filmmakers the chance to see their short films on the big screen in front of a live audience, more than a decade of Liverpool Film Night has seen hundreds of submissions, with on-screen talent including Jarvis Cocker and the late Pete Postlethwaite.
Previous participants have gone on to become full time filmmakers, and had their films reach even bigger audiences. For example, Andy Smith’s film Holes in their Souls, which was showcased at Liverpool Film Night 2016, is currently screening both nationally and internationally in selected festivals. Harry Sherriff, the creator of Jack Peace, which was also showcased at last year’s event, was recently awarded £1,500 for development of his web series EARLY DAYS.
Sheriff says: “Liverpool Film Night is the best short film event in the region. In the North of England, its prestige is unparalleled and long may it continue. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work screened at Liverpool Film Night the last two years consecutively and to have that recognition as well as support from FACT has definitely furthered my career. Also, if you’re yet to make a film you can meet some great collaborators on the night!”
Liverpool Film Night is just one of FACT’s continuous efforts to support the filmmaking community in the region, with previous projects including 2016’s much-praised workshop series Film Talent Development Programme, funded by Creative England. Since June, FACT has also hosted a new meetup series for North-West Filmmakers, organised by Ryan Garry, which resulted from discussions at previous networking events. Information about upcoming activities can be found at fact.co.uk.
Deadline for submissions on 29 September 2017
Event on Wednesday 22 November 2017, 6.15pm – 8.30pm
Screen 1, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology), Liverpool