NEW REALITIES - Cromarty Film Festival

NEW REALITIES

CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL 24-26 MARCH 2023

INTRO

For the first time - in 16 yearsan all female team is leading the Cromarty Film festival. We offered a flavour of things to come with our events on 3rd + 4th December. Now the main activities are taking place from 24th-26th March. To mark the festival start and end, we’re hosting free projections on Cromarty Lighthouse. The programme has been thoughtfully planned to cater for every age and taste - we’ve got docs, shorts, classics, animation, anime, workshops, talks, brand new films plus a dash of comedic horror to keep everyone alert!

BENEFACTORS

Ian Rankin

Wind2

John Nightingale, The Cromarty Trust

The Cromarty Bakery

Vandyke Brothers, Specialty Coffee Roasters, Cromarty

We start off the weekend with a special screening in the Screen Machine for the whole of Cromarty Primary School. We’re delighted to welcome new guests, project partners and festival benefactors on board. Delicious food and food trucks will be available with special offers to link in with certain films. Watch out for more details!

We warmly thank the town and the community for their kind support in helping us make this happen.

Steffi + Susan + Wyn + Sabine

GUESTS

Kate Cotter

Samantha Jack

Vicky Inam

Tess Letham

Shiona McCubbin

Anne Milne

Donna Wilson

Paul Macdonald-Taylor

Abby Warrilow

Victoria Watson

Lewis Gourlay

Jacqueline Donachie

Lucie Treacher

Mark Lyken

Allana James

Genevieve Carver

Otello Calvert

Katrina Inkster

Graeme Roger

CERTIFICATION

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online from 24th February or in person before the screenings (if available).

Check website for times/ any changes.

www.cromartyfilmfestival.org

£6.50

£3.00

Special ticket price

Under 18

All workshops are free but spaces are limited. Booking essential. Contact Steffi 07875 019031 or steffirat@btinternet.com

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch.

General viewing, should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Adults need to accompany anyone younger than 12.

No one younger than 15 may see in a cinema.

Where a film is not certificated, a recommended age has been provided.

Special School

WORKSHOPS

Programme of free workshops inspired by films in the festival. No specialist knowledge is required to participate. For 11+. Please book in advance + contact Steffi for detailssteffirat@btinternet.com/07875 019031

1. One-Shot Filmmaking Workshop

Saturday 25 March from 10:00-12:00

At Old Buoy Store, next to the lighthouse with filmmakers Sabine Hellmann + Anne Milne

Saturday 25 March from 15:30-17:30

Meet at Old Buoy Store, next to the lighthouse with graffiti artist Allana James

Sunday 26 March from 11:00-12:00

At Old Buoy Store, next to the lighthouse with Vicky Inam

Saturday 25 March from 18:00-20:00

Meet at Old Buoy Store, next to the lighthouse with graffiti artist Allana James

2. Graffiti Workshop (1)

3. Graffiti Workshop (2)

4. ‘Transitions’ - creative movement workshop

FRIDAY 24.03

SHORTS

BUNNY

James Copeland

2020 - 2 mins 8

Young stars Ella Grave and Abigail Bloomfield dance their hearts out to the sound of the perfectly named track ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ by Waste. ‘Bunny’ was selected by dance film pioneer Simon Fildes to premiere at GOAT Media’s Screen. Dance: Scotland’s Festival of Dance on Screen. The very short, short has gone on to tour festivals and charm audiences in the UK, France and Sweden.

MACHI

Prashanti Aswani

2020 - 3 mins 10

Animation which tells the story of the filmmaker’s mother growing up in Indonesia with four siblings and Machi, her caretaker at the time.

SOLACE

Saskia Tomlinson, Lulu Senft

2019 - 3 mins 28

Solace is a stop-motion short film about a worry, a woman and a woolly yak.

THE SENSATIONAL SILVER CITY

Lucie Treacher, Graeme Roger

2022 - 16 mins

Ethereal film and sound work inspired by famous escapologist Harry Houdini who was tossed into Aberdeen harbour.

During a storm in 1909, a crowd gathered to witness Houdini, handcuffed and chained, dropped into the sea from the deck of a tugboat into the Aberdeen harbour. There was a high level of drama as Houdini spent a minute and a half in the murky depths before resurfacing and coming ashore.

Inspired by this historic event, members of the North-east community were filmed underwater and suspended in time by Moray artist Graeme Roger. Composer Lucie Treacher, who grew up in Sutherland, designed the film’s soundscape which features the voices of two Aberdeen choir groups.

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

Dir. GURINDER CHADHA

2022 marks the 20th anniversary. ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ tackles race, class, gender and sexuality with a fleet-footedness. To follow her dreams and become a professional football player, Jesminder ‘Jess’ Bhamra must ‘bend’ the rules and go against her family’s traditions. Some silly and fun elements include a spoof football commentary with Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen and John Barnes.

The film will be introduced by Vicky Inam, who captivated local audiences with her expansive knowledge of North Korea during Cromarty’s Korean Season.

GOODBYE DON GLEES!

Dir. ATSUKO ISHIZUKA

New award-winning anime by director Atsuko Ishizuka shows three teenagers, the ‘Don Glees’, embarking on an life-defining adventure. This beautiful comingof-age adventure offers a heartfelt look at how teenagers rely on friendships.

The film will be introduced by Scottish animator Eleanor Stewart who recently worked with Cromarty Primary School and Cromarty Cinema to support pupils’ passion for stop motion filmmaking.

ALIEN

Dir. RIDLEY SCOTT

1979

‘Alien’ is a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott starring Tom Skerrit, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Yaphet Kotto.

The first in the ‘Alien’ franchise focuses on a highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature which boards a haulage spacecraft, where it begins stalking and killing its crew. ‘Alien’ has attracted huge critical acclaim and box office success, receiving multiple awards.

In 2002 it was added into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical and aesthetic significance.

SATURDAY 25.03

10:00 - 12:00

ONE SHOT FILMMAKING WORKSHOP

A WORKSHOP WITH SABINE HELLMANN AND ANNE MILNE

Are you a one-shot wonder? Come and join our filmmaking workshop and be introduced to the idea of shooting a one-shot micro film. In this handson two hour workshop you’ll explore the concept, see examples and have a chance to practice. Using phones and iPads, filmmakers Anne Milne and Sabine Hellmann will take you through several exercises before you work on a concept/storyboard for your micro film. You will then go off to shoot your film.

A follow-up drop-in clinic will take place the next day, and your films will be screened for an audience on the final day of the Cromarty Film Festival. Those aged 11+ are welcome to come along, and we strongly encourage multi-generational teams. Bring your camera, phone or iPad. Some iPads will be available for use on the day.

Limited spaces. To book, contact Sabine at hello@sabinehellmann.com

DRAGON PRINCESS

Poil (meaning hair in French) is a little girl raised by dragons who becomes close friends with a princess. They each encounter bias in their families and become frustrated. Poil’s wild ways make the princess challenge her family’s

expectations and rethink her life plans. Brimming with good themes which include the importance of friendship and girls sticking together, this animation will leave families with plenty to talk about together afterwards.

Dirs. ANTHONY ‘TOT’ ROUX, JEAN-JACQUES DENIS 2021 1h 10 6+

BODYBUILDERS UNFILTERED

Dir. KATRINA INKSTER

Cromarty director/filmmaker

Katrina Inkster talks about the challenges of working as a freelancer and introduces her 2019 film made for tv.

‘Bodybuilders Unfiltered’ draws the fine line between dedication and obsession with Scotland’s most successful bodybuilding couple sharing their ups and downs as they push themselves to the limit for the world finals in Las Vegas.

Katrina shares clips of what inspires her and will be In-Conversation with Kate Cotter (producer, director, broadcast lecturer with University of West of Scotland)

*Special Sutor Creek deal with ticket purchase.

WAITING FOR THE BUFF TO RUB ME OUT

Filmmakers MARK LYKEN, ALLANA JAMES

Scottish filmmakers Mark Lyken and Allana James worked together to create a fictionalised portrait film which captures the challenges which Shadow, a Scottish trans femme graffiti writer, experiences.

There will be an In-Conversation element with Mark and Allana firstly describing their collaboration as well as their individual experiences of graffiti culture.

WORKSHOP

Allana will lead two free outdoor graffiti workshops after the screening. These are free and open to 11+.

Sessions from: 15:30-17:30 and 18:00-20:00.

Contact Steffi at 07841 591873 or steffirat@btinternet.com.

BRAVE

Dirs. MARK ANDREWS, BRENDA CHAPMAN, STEVE PURCELL

Special 10th anniversary. ‘Brave’ tells the story of Merida, a young Scottish princess whose life is controlled by her mother who has plans to shape her into a queen. She rebels with her trusty archery skills. Like her mother, she’s capable of handling herself in dangerous situations without needing anyone to save her.

The voice of young Merida is Peigi Barker who is from the Black Isle and whose family will be at the screening to share their stories and reminisce about attending the World Premiere in LA.

DANCING ON THE INSIDE

Dirs. SIMON FILDES, KATRINA MCPHERSON, ABBY WARRILOW, LEWIS GOURLAY, JENNIFER PATERSON, PERNILLE SPENCE & CORINNE JOLA

2021 48 mins N/C

A collection of dance films celebrating the life and legacy of international award-winning Scottish filmmaker, producer and curator Simon Fildes.

Members of the cast & production crew of the final film ‘Do You Mind Can I Ask What Happened (To Your Legs?)’ will be present during the screening to share their experiences filming and working during Covid in rural Coigach.

18:00 - 19:00

Cast members include Cromarty’s own border collie, Laika, in her first major film role.

Cromarty Cinema

SHORTS

SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF 3 SHORTS WITH IN-PERSON INSIGHTS FROM THE DIRECTORS SHIONA MCCUBBIN , ANNE MILNE AND MAKE-UP ARTIST

SAMANTHA JACK

MAUREEN

Shiona McCubbin

2022 - 12 mins

Niamh reaches out to her Auntie Liz when she realises her mother

Maureen’s ashes are missing. Can they overcome their differences and take comfort from each other, or will Maureen continue to cause a rift? The film was shot in Maryhill Park, Glasgow by an entirely female identifying team. World Premiere was held in 2020 at Edinburgh Film Festival. The film is currently touring festivals internationally with a strong presence in the U.S.

ADVENTURES IN DEMENTIA

Anne Milne

2019 - 22 mins

Commissioned by the Scottish Documentary Institute and STV, the film follows Agnes & Nancy - a well known Black Isle resident - after a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. This doesn’t stop the friends from having fun! We are invited to see what happens when they decide to go on a new adventure.

CANDY

Sarah Grant

2022 - 13 mins

Mandy is a burlesque enthusiast who is nervously practising for her first performance with the help of her best friend and dance partner, Jenna. It’s not until Jenna’s in trouble that Mandy realises she doesn’t need the glittering stage and best friend at her side to take up space and perform.

19:30 - 20:45

16:30 - 17:00

SOUND + POETRY VOICES OF DOLPHINS

Poet Genevieve Carver and composer Lucie Treacher share new workin-progress made during residencies with the Lighthouse Field Station, using underwater recordings of bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth and reflecting marine biology research.

Old Brewery Studio

READY OR NOT

Dirs. MATT BETTINELLI-OLPHIN, TYLER GILLETT

2019 On her wedding day Grace is invited to participate in a tradition - a seemingly innocent game of hide and seek with her fiance’s family. Events take a dark turn and Grace’s survival skills kick in. One of the main themes is the bizarreness and insularity which often accompanies extreme wealth.

A great cast pull off this wild tale with performances by Weaving MacDowell

SUNDAY 26.03

11:00 - 12:00

WORKSHOP

TRANSITIONS

1 HOUR CREATIVE MOVEMENT SESSION WITH VICKY INAM

Inspired by collective dance and connection with nature in the films ‘Dancing on the Inside’ and ‘Beautiful Sunday’, Transitions is an invitation to contemplate change through gentle movement and creative exercises. Responding to nature soundscapes and local music, there will be the opportunity to dance and move together, as well as time for solo reflection.

To book, contact Steffi at 07875 019031 or steffirat@btinternet.com.

15:00 - 15:45

TEAM SPIRIT

COLLECTIVISM & SPORT IN NORTH KOREAN CINEMA

WITH VICKY INAM

Vicky Inam captivated audience members in Cromarty with her knowledge of North Korea in September. In her 45 min talk, Vicky shares her expansive knowledge about depictions of sport in North Korean film, including clips from locally-made fiction films to international documentaries and rare footage from real life UK-DPRK sports exchanges.

AUDREY DIWAN

2021

Set in 1960s France, Anne’s academic studies are jeopardised as she falls pregnant.

Multi award-winning film by director Audrey Diwan which features a riveting performance by Anamaria Vartolomei. Diwan addressed the subject of women having control over their own bodies.

This realistic and highly engaging film provides insight into a specific time and place, inviting us to consider the huge challenges that face women who seek to determine their own futures.

Dir.

TURNING RED

This is the first Pixar film solely directed by a woman. Domee Shi is a Chinese-born Canadian animator, director and screenwriter.

Featuring the voices of Rosalie Chaing and Sandra Oh (of Killing Eve fame) and music by Billie Eilish, the story shows Mei Lee getting to grips with her relationship with her mother, her special abilities, as well as her friendships and embracing who she really is.

Introduction by Scottish designer, Donna Wilson who’s internationally celebrated for her unique imaginative designs and curious knitted creatures.

Dir. DOMEE SHI

CHEF

Dir. JON FAVREAU

Multi-award-winning food truck chef Otello Calvert will introduce ‘Chef’.

A head chef quits his restaurant job and buys a food truck. Inspired by real life chef Roy Choi, the story follows master chef (played by Favreau) whose career is derailed and who opens a food truck with his young son and sous-chef. Cast includes appearances by Sofia Vergara, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansen along with other familiar faces. ‘Chef’ is a story of redemption amid the chaos of the kitchen with Favreau giving a brilliant performance.

SHORTS

BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY

Jacqueline Donachie

2021 - 12 mins

Commissioned by Folkestone Triennial, the film celebrates social dancing and dance floors. Contemporary sounds mesh with aerial images showing a group of people doing The Slosh, a line dance much beloved by party goers in the west of Scotland in the 1970’s and 80’s. The dance remains a favourite in social clubs and at Scottish weddings.

NAVIGATION

Marlene Millar, Sandy Silva

2020 - 14 mins

Set in the spectacular Burren region of the West Coast of Ireland, ‘Navigation’ uses the land itself to explore how we navigate through unknown terrain. Themes of survival and perseverance, departure and renewal emerge in a stunning interpretation of the migration experience. Embodied exploration is powerfully conveyed by singers/dancers and members of a community choir.

COCAINE BEAR

1hr 35

Comedy thriller inspired by a true story featuring the late great Ray Liotta.

A 500-pound black bear consumes a large amount of cocaine and embarks on a drug-fueled rampage. Set in a Georgia forest with an eccentric cast of cops, criminals, tourists, and teenagers, the film highlights the chaos created by the 80s crack pandemic in the U.S.

Dir. ELIZABETH BANKS

RYE LANE

Dir. RAINE ALLEN MILLER

Engaging first feature by filmmaker Raine Allen-Miller which premiered at Sundance earlier this year and is described by art critic Roger Egbert as “one of the best rom coms of the decade so far”. After an unusual meet-cute, Dom and Yas spend the rest of the night talking and walking the streets of South London.

FOOD

To complete the festival experience, we invited Sutor Creek, along with food trucks Tagliotello and The Black Pearl Creole Kitchen to create wonderful food specially for the weekend.

We’re delighted to welcome 2 food trucks to Cromarty for the first time. Tagliotello makes everything from fresh ingredients to cook up delicious pasta dishes. Black Pearl serves the flavours of Caribbean and Creole cooking. The Pearl’s food is all about fire smoke and spice to offer us ‘a taste of sunshine’.

Over the three days, there will be new tastes to sample and some special tasty surprises from Sutor Creek which relate to specific films.

Sutor Creek Restaurant

The Black Pearl Creole Kitchen (Caribbean/Creole)

Tagliotello (Italian)

Brewery Shop opening hours

Mon-Fri – 10am to 4pm Sat – 10am to 2pm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THE TEAM

Steffi Ratcliffe

Wyn Pottratz

Hannah Macintosh

Sabine Hellmann

Susan Christie

FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS & PARTNERS

All the members of our vital volunteer team

Paul Thompson, University of Aberdeen

Phoebe & Graham Fox, Sutor Creek

Paul Macdonald-Taylor Gražina Ščučkaitė

Cameron Stott

Eleanor Stewart

Mike Tait, Discovery Film Festival

Sambrooke Scott, Scottish Screen

David, Daniel + Graham, Story and Stage

Cromarty & Resolis Film Society

Kate, Park Circus

Rachael, Lionsgate

Tom, Disney

Fiona & Iain, Screen Machine

Jim, INDY Cinema Group

Cromarty & District Community Council

Jamie, Plexus Media Ltd

Anna, All The Anime

DESIGN

Ellie Bainbridge

Zoe Armes, Isle Noire

PRINT

A4 Design and Print

IMAGE CREDITS

Front cover - still from ‘Navigation’. Back cover - still from ‘Bunny’.

‘Brave’ - Images Courtesy of Park Circus/Walt

Disney

‘Alien’ - Images Courtesy of Park Circus/Alien

‘Ready or Not’ - Motion Picture © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and TSG Entertainment Finance LLC. All rights reserved.

All uncredited images are film stills.