Sunderland Shorts Film Festival is returning for a five-day extravaganza this May! Running from the 8th – 12th, this year’s festival will showcase the latest filmmaking talent in the North East.
With a focus on working with partners in Sunderland over the next three years (since the closure of the city’s mainstream cinema), Film Hub North has been collaborating with Sunderland Shorts, Sunderland Culture, Sunderland Council and the University of Sunderland to develop an independent film-going culture across the city region.
Since the first event in 2015, and with the help of funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the festival has gone from strength to strength as it delivers its aims to create an inclusive, all-encompassing and accessible event.
Sunderland became the first and only non-capital city to sign a friendship agreement with Washington DC in 2006, which has resulted in a mutually beneficial partnership that has developed economic, educational and cultural relationships that have benefited the people of Sunderland greatly.
The festival isn’t just about showcasing work either – there will be masterclasses, workshops and development opportunities taught by industry professionals, ready to pass on their skills to the next generation of filmmakers. By providing a platform to tell diverse stories from different perspectives and experiences, across all genres, Sunderland Shorts is all about creating an inclusive cultural hub where equality, diversity and creativity are championed.
Last year, over 160 short films and music videos were screened in a tour of local venues including The Fire Station, Arts Centre Washington and Pop Recs – the latter being a sold-out closing show. There were also several networking events and workshops including a Screenwriting Masterclass by Len Collin (writer on Eastenders and The Bill), and guest judges who specialise in each category (e.g. actors, directors, filmmakers, musicians etc.).
The festival wouldn’t be possible without the help of its invaluable volunteers. If you’re looking to get some experience working in the film industry or festival circuit, you can apply to be a reviewer, tech supervisor, front-of-house assistant or filmmaker liaison assistant on the Sunderland Shorts website.
With its great line-ups, the festival has attracted great crowds year after year and is a popular annual event in the North East’s creative calendar.
For up-to-date information on this year’s festival, visit the Sunderland Shorts Film Festival website.
Tickets, including day passes and a 5-day festival pass, are £3.00-£25.00 and can be purchased from thefirestation.org.uk.
