Last week, we attended Short Stack, the short film festival hosted at Broadway Cinema. For a Sunday evening, the event had a buzzing atmosphere and packed attendance. After it was over, we caught up with the festival’s director, one of the featured filmmakers, and an artist whose music was shown on the big screen…
Photo Credit: Gemma Poyzer
Words: Sofia Jones
Short Stack is simply part of the furniture when it comes to short films in Nottingham. Since its inception in 2013, it’s been a place for filmmakers to showcase and celebrate their work and connect with one another. It is a festival “by filmmakers, for filmmakers”. Housed at Hockley’s Broadway Cinema, it took its biggest leap yet when last Sunday it took place in the cinema’s largest screen and sold over 200 tickets.
I spoke to Short Stack’s director, Simon Dymond, to get his insight into the night.
Were there any standout moments for you last night?
The most impressive part for me was just how many people were willing to show up on a Sunday evening for a night of short films. I was blown away by the support from audience, and it’s great to see so many people engaging with the film scene in Nottingham.
The diversity of the films was great. How important do you think showcasing a range of different styles and genres is?
One of the most rewarding aspects of programming the night is that we’re not restricted by genre or style, so we can select a real variety of work. I like to mix it up by alternating between longer and shorter films. We’ll put a BFI Network short alongside a 1-minute animation or an experimental documentary next to a music video. I also like to think that it’s important for any potential filmmakers in the audience to look up at the screen and get inspired by all the different types of work we screen.
It was really interesting to see my film screened in front of audience for the first time and the reactions it got. People laughed in places that I didn’t expect...
Before each film began, filmmakers had the opportunity to speak to the audience and provide an introduction to their films. One such filmmaker was Joe Wheatley who began with a matter-of-fact introduction to his film Rona, which acts almost as an ode to his grandmother, who died in 2016. The film refuses to be overstyled or oversentimental, but through its delicate filming easily manages to be both stylish and moving.
Joe works as an independent director and has a production company, Dimension 2, working recently on a music video for Nottingham’s very own, Divorce. Joe hadn’t submitted his work to Short Stack previously, so I was keen to hear what his experience was like. You can watch Rona here.
Apart from your brief introductory narration, you let your grandmother’s voice guide the story (as you mention in the film). Would it be fair to say that you try to show, rather than tell, in your filmmaking?
I would say that’s a fair comment. Film is a medium in which you can show and don’t necessarily need to tell. The sign of a bad movie for me is an overuse of exposition. I’m having trouble with that with my feature script at the moment. I’ve been told my work is very stripped back and has an economy to it. I don’t think it's a conscious thing, but I do prefer to shoot on film which massively reduces your choices when budget is limited. You have to really consider if you want to call action, just as anyone would with 36 frames in their point-and-shoot camera.
Why did you choose to submit your short film to Short Stack?
I hadn’t heard of it and saw it on Broadway’s programme. As a Nottingham filmmaker, I realised I didn’t really know any Nottingham filmmakers, I’ve kind of existed in a vacuum so I figured it would be nice to add to the conversation and learn about what others are doing.
What was your experience at Short Stack like?
It was a convivial way to spend a Sunday evening, the programming was varied with some genuinely interesting pieces of work. I thought the final film was totally original and like nothing I’d seen before, I’m excited to see what they do next.
It was really interesting to see my film screened in front of audience for the first time and the reactions it got. People laughed in places that I didn’t expect and I feel like it connected with people when I’m often self conscious about it being yet another film about a deceased relative.
I saw you talking after the screening to another director, did Short Stack prove a good networking opportunity for you?
Sadly I didn’t get chance to talk to many other filmmakers but I had a great chat with Simon Ellis, a Nottingham filmmaker I had known of for years but never had the chance to meet. His film Soft came out when I was in my first year at Falmouth which made a huge impression on me.
...to illustrate that in such a professional way on a ‘shoe-string budget’ is something we can be very proud of
To hear what Short Stack was like from another angle, I spoke to someone who not only saw their work on the big screen but their face too. K.Ji (Kay Jee) is an artist from Nottingham whose new song ‘Hear This’ was nominated on the night. The music video, directed by the talented music producer and filmmaker, Pruga P, was clean and slick. It instantly provided a high-energy boost and a shift from the other films, making itself known. I asked K.Ji about his experience at Short Stack.
How was working with Pruga P?
Working with Pruga P was like working with family. His personable yet professional approach to his work is what makes him authentic. Working with Nikko, one of my closest friends, on the song helped make the connection as him and Pruga go way back. It was us 3, our friend Nicole and a bunch of favours from a whole host of people to make this possible. That said, all credit goes to our boy Pruga for bringing this movie of a music video to life.
How would you describe the music video?
I would describe ‘Hear This’ as a very anthemic, comeback kind of tune, which is depicted in a very cinematic style. The song itself is about being on top and silencing doubters and to illustrate that in such a clean and professional way on, what Pruga described, as a ‘shoe-string budget’ is something we can be very proud of.
What was your experience at Short Stack like?
It was a very welcoming and well-run evening. Being in a packed-out screen 1 of Broadway Cinema amongst an eclectic mix of short film styles, messages and forms of expression was very inspiring and great to be a part of.
How did it feel to see yourself and your music featured on the big screen?
Being on the big screen is something I didn’t think of and was surreal to be honest. It’s a nice and unexpected thing to add to the list of achievements. A big shout out again to the amazing Pruga P once again who directed, filmed, and edited this incredible music video.
Did any of the other films jump out to you?
The standard and variety were incredible. The message and relatability of a A Few More Minutes, Please was articulated so well. My jaw dropped in awe and amazement with Nervous Ellie and I couldn’t stop laughing at Spare Part. The list could go on. Every nomination was a great watch so shout out to everyone behind the various projects & shout to short stack for creating such a great platform.
The next Short Stack event will be in Autumn. Although there are no dates yet, the best way to keep up to date is to follow them on Instagram for updates, or keep an eye on the Broadway website.
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