Two Derry-based films produced by young people through Nerve Centre's BFI Film Academy have been finding praise on the film festival circuit.
Director Tomala White on the set of "Locker" (2022)
After screening at the Foyle Film Festival's Young Filmmakers Showcase in 2022, the locally-produced Locker has been celebrated on the festival rounds. In 2023, the gritty drama made the Official Selection at Cinemagic's On The Pulse Short Film Festival and received nominations at the FilmJoint 1st Edition Film Festival.
Written as part of Nerve Centre's first BFI Short Film Script Development Lab in 2021, the film involved the talents of BFI Film Academy alumni.
Exterior scenes being filmed for "Locker" (2022)
Director Tomala White was hugely grateful for the experience:
"As a young filmmaker, the support from BFI Film Academy and Nerve Centre has been invaluable. The seed funding was great as this was my first funded short film and I had received director mentoring sessions from Aidan Largey during pre production. It was a pleasure to produce, direct and edit Locker locally with a great team. We had a great experience seeing Locker alongside so many other great short films at Cinemagic On the Pulse Festival. I am over the moon that it has been well received so far!"
The "Locker" crew wrap up shooting in 2022
2022's The Pro-Crastinator, produced during the BFI Film Academy itself, gave many young people their first experience of working on a short film. Praised after previewing at BFI Film Academy's 2022 Showcase, it was included in the Official Selection for First Time Filmmaker Sessions (hosted by Lift-Off Global Network) and has been nominated by The FilmJoint 1st Edition Film Festival.
Crew attend preview of "The Pro-Crastinator" (2022)
Tomala White, BFI Film Academy Coordinator, praised the team's efforts:
"These young people have worked so hard on realising their vision for The Pro-Crastinator. They had written a quirky script and worked great as a crew, showcasing a great deal of dedication and teamwork. I am delighted that their hard work is being celebrated and I hope that this news motivates the young people to keep breaking into film!"
Locker and The Pro-Crastinator were supported by BFI Film Academy Plus seed funding.
Filming "The Pro-Crastinator" (2022)