FINAL CURTAIN FOR SUNDERLAND SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL

The red carpet has been rolled up as the third successful Sunderland Shorts Film Festival has come to an end. Showing 54 films from filmmakers based in 16 countries, the festival was held at The Place in Sunniside and attracted more than 340 film buffs from across the region. The three-day event, which took place from May 4 to May 6, gave festival goers the opportunity to see some of the world’s best filmmaking flair, from laughout-loud comedies and insightful documentaries to gripping dramas and fun animations. The truly international event, organised by Sunderland City Council, showcased bite-sized blockbusters by some of the best filmmaking talent from across the globe, from France, the US, Israel, Switzerland and Japan, to name a few. Irene Lucas, CBE, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “The festival brought together film lovers from across the region as well as visitors from around the world, which provided us with an opportunity to showcase Sunderland to a new audience and hopefully attract them to come back in the future. “The film festival was a great success and is a fantastic addition in Sunderland’s cultural offering and events programme. “As well as being a great experience for people who came to watch the films, it provided a unique chance for international filmmakers to showcase their work, as well as a platform for our region’s burgeoning creative and digital sector to illustrate their work to a whole new audience. “Events like this really do inspire the next generation, which makes it an all-the-more valuable event for this city.” Sunderland Shorts Film Festival was inspired by Washington DC’s version, DC Shorts, which in just 13 years has become one of the most respected film festivals in the USA. The two cities work in partnership to provide economic, educational and cultural benefits to the people of Sunderland through a Friendship Agreement first established in 2006. While the aim of organisers was to provide a platform for groundbreaking short films and to excite Sunderland movie fans with the array of talent on offer, audiences were also able to vote for their favourite, with awards being handed for the best International film, best UK, best regional, jury choice and audience favourite.

Festival Director, Anne Tye, said: “We are delighted with the turnout for this year’s Sunderland Shorts Film Festival. “Sunderland is a city of culture lovers and it was a pleasure to be able to show such an eclectic selection of films, with something for everyone. “The world’s filmmaking talent is really blossoming and it is fantastic that so many people came to see all that is on offer in the world of short film. “We had festival goers of all ages – some were film buffs, some weren’t – that’s the beauty of short film; it can be enjoyed by everyone. “After three successful years, there is a sense that the event is growing at a pace, and I hope to see it continue for many years to come.”