NEW REALITIES
CROMARTY FILM FESTIVAL 24-26 MARCH 2023
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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!
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Saskia Tomlinson, Lulu Senft
2019 - 3 mins 28
Solace is a stop-motion short film about a worry, a woman and a woolly yak.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10:00 - 12:00
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPECIAL PROGRAMME OF 3 SHORTS WITH IN-PERSON INSIGHTS FROM THE DIRECTORS SHIONA MCCUBBIN , ANNE MILNE AND MAKE-UP ARTIST
SAMANTHA JACK
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.
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.
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
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.
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
11:00 - 12:00
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brewery Shop opening hours
Mon-Fri – 10am to 4pm Sat – 10am to 2pm
Steffi Ratcliffe
Wyn Pottratz
Hannah Macintosh
Sabine Hellmann
Susan Christie
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
Ellie Bainbridge
Zoe Armes, Isle Noire
A4 Design and Print
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.