Sci-Fi London 48 Hour Film Challenge

Posted on | May 7, 2012 | No Comments

A cold, overcast  Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago, saw a member of the Urban & Otherwise team make the journey to the Odeon Cinema, Piccadilly ,London, to join the hundreds of budding film makers taking part in the Sci-Fi London 48 Hour Film Challenge.

The 48 Hour Film Challenge, is just that; a challenge where film makers are given 48 hours to make a 5 minute film that incorporates a number of key elements as directed by the event organisers. Cast, crew and script are all able to be constructed before hand, but the filming has to take place during this 48 hour window. The participants’ final film is then required to be handed in to the organisers on the Monday morning, or uploaded on to a selected streaming site.

Seated amongst the numerous directors, producers and script writers all wanting to cut the chat, get out and about, and fire up their cameras, we sat through a short but sweet account of the challenge’s instructions and key pointers from the organisers. Suffice to say it was with some reluctance for a fair few – the eagerness to get on with the weekend’s shoot was highly apparent.

So, shortly after the final dos and don’ts, the participants formed an orderly queue and lined up to get their last instructions of the morning.

Each team was required to select a piece of paper from four individual bags which included: The title of the film they were about to make, some dialogue, an optional theme and some props, all of which were to be incorporated in their film.

Whilst Urban & Otherwise were on hand to take part in this experience, we didn’t make a film, BUT are seriously considering it for next year!

To find out more about the 48 hour Film Challenge and to view the list of finalists/top 20 films from this year’s challenge, which were also screened as part of Sci-fi London : The London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film, please visit:

http://www.sci-fi-london.com/

Sci-fi London: The London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film took place from 01 – 07 May 2012.

“This isn’t just TV, it’s BUFF TV…”‏

Posted on | April 2, 2012 | No Comments

And so the BUFF TV campaign begins…..

BUFF Enterprises, the organisation behind the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) has launched a 60 second ident to mark the #buffpresents broadcast strand, highlighting the festival’s return to television after five years.

As part of #buffpresents, four films from the 2011 festival, including Drink, Drugs and KFC and Special Delivery, which we reviewed back in September, will be shown on The Community Channel on Saturday 21st April.

We caught up with Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, BUFF founder to find out more about BUFF 2012:

1) Can you start by telling us a bit about who you are?

I’m a Londonder of Nigerian (Igbo) heritage and for the last 10 years I’ve worked on numerous independent film festivals and awards ceremonies in the UK. I decided to set up my own film festival (BUFF) in response to the lack of profile that fellow peers and acquaintances desired.

2) What is BUFF and when was it first set up?

BUFF is otherwise known as the British Urban Film Festival and was set up in July 2005. The inaugural launch took place at the now defunct London Television Weekend (LWT) headquarters on the South Bank.

3) Why was BUFF established? 

BUFF was established to provide a healthy alternative to the showcasing of urban independent cinema in the UK. Since then, there has been a concerted effort by the UK film industry to address this imbalance in the cinema landscape both on and off screen.

As a result of its’ key pledge to screen films free of charge, BUFF has played its’ part in developing and attracting audiences who have shown both passive and active interests in this genre. The annual British Urban Film Festival is the only festival of its’ kind in the UK and has become a trusted source for film fans keen to tap into urban film.

4) How do you define an urban film?
BUFF has never attempted to define an urban film because the onus has always been on filmmakers to define their own reality in an ever-changing world.

5) What advice can u give to any budding UK film makers?

Be prepared to become a prisoner for your success.

6 ) What about any aspiring actors wanting to get into film, can you offer them any words of wisdom?

To paraphrase from a very good actress friend of mine… “Once you’re in… get used to it”

7) How can people find out more about BUFF?

The first point of contact is via the website at www.britishurbanfilmfestival.co.uk – BUFF also publishes a monthly film blog which provides a platform for actors and fellow film professionals to offer their experiences and insight into the industry (www.britishurbanfilmfestival.blogspot.com).

8 ) You’ve already had a few submissions for BUFF 2012, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to submit a film?

No half-measures. Have a strong attention to detail in every area of the submission. Be passionate about how you perceive your project to others. Keep it real. And don’t be afraid to say something new.

9) And finally, what 3 things should the Urban & Otherwise audience know about BUFF?

The company was incorporated 4 days after 7/7, The first film BUFF ever screened was called ‘Time 2 Get Paid’ starring Lisa Maffia & Kele Le Roc. The company has also produced a reality show which was broadcast on Sky called ‘The Search For BUFF’.

Check out the BUFF ident on YouTube now and be sure to catch the four fantastic films on The Community Channel, 21st April.

Happy ‘belated’ New Year to the Urban & Otherwise audience

Posted on | February 27, 2012 | No Comments

Although we’re only 59 days into 2012, it’s already proving to be a big year for the Urban & Otherwise team.

We are delighted to announce that we now have two official supporters, one being Raw Music Media http://www.rawmusicmedia.co.uk, and the second, the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) http://britishurbanfilmfestival.co.uk

To find out more about Raw Music Media and their involvement with film and young talent, check out the short vodcast we put together http://www.urbanandotherwise.com/raw-interview.

Also, be sure to look out for our interview with the founder of BUFF to find out all you need to know about the festival and what their plans are for 2012.  *coming very soon*

We’re very excited about the year ahead and look forward to sharing our posts with you.  If you have anything you’d like to share with us, do get in touch on twitter @Urbanandothrwse or via the ‘Contact us’ page.

We hope you enjoy spending 2012 with us!

Demons Never Die!

Posted on | November 16, 2011 | No Comments

So the theory is demons never die! The Urban & Otherwise team decided to check this theory out………

 

 

With the likes of Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Small Island, Bullet Boy) Jason Maza (Fish Tank, The Tapes), Robert Sheehan (Channel 4’s Mis Fits), Femi Oyeniran (Kidulthood, Adulthood, Anuvahood), Shanika Warren-Markland (4.3.2.1, Victim), Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks), Jennie Jacques (Shank, Cherry Tree Lane)and Jack Doolan (Cemetery Junction, The Green Green Grass) , Demons Never Die was set to be a cracker from the very start.

Written and directed by Arjun Rose, Demons Never Die is essentially a film about a group of teenagers who no longer feel their lives are worth living. Although they have come to this conclusion themselves, their decision to live or die is soon taken out of their hands. Whilst the film begins with a disturbing scene, the story really gets started with the cast credits. Set to the euphoric beats of Chase & Status’ Blind Faith, we are introduced to each of the main characters.

 

 

Tackling real life issue such as bulimia, homosexuality, domestic violence and family break downs, Demons Never Die is more than just your average slasher film. Set in the heart of West London, the plot is scattered with twists and turns, planting seeds in your mind, making you think one thing before changing your mind and thinking another. The Paranormal Activity/Blair Witch-esque scenes of the film were also extremely believable and amongst some of the scariest points of the film.

 

 

The Demons Never Die cast also includes Arnold Oceng aka Snakey Man (Top Boy, Adulthood), TV and radio presenter Reggie Yates and NDubz’ leading lady Tulisa Contostavlos. If you haven’t seen it already, well what are you waiting for? Demons Never Die went on UK cinema release on Friday 28th October 2011. 3 things to know about Demons Never Die:

1. Demons Never Die was the film debut for NDubz front woman Tulisa
2. Demons Never Die was Executively Produced by UK export Idris Elba (The Wire, The Big C, Luther)
3. Demons Never Die is also referred to as ‘Suicide Kids’

Britain In A Day……….

Posted on | November 12, 2011 | No Comments

So today’s the day that film director Sir Ridley Scott (of Gladiator, Thelma and Louise and Alien fame, to name just a few) has called upon the great British public to grab a video camera and film themselves going about their everyday lives. Alongside the BBC, Scott is preparing to make a feature-length film documenting life in Britain.

The project, Britain In A Day, follows on from Scott’s highly acclaimed 2010 film Life In A Day, where he used clips from around the world. Planned for broadcast on BBC2 next year, Scott advised “we are all capable of finding a story of our own to share with the world.” (Evening Standard)

If you want to take part, there’s still time. Go to the dedicated YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/britaininaday and upload your own video now.

Victim the movie @ Raindance 2011

Posted on | October 6, 2011 | No Comments

Victim: “A person or living creature destroyed by, or suffering grievous injury from another, from fortune or from accident…….”

Alex Pillai’s directorial feature debut, Victim, premiered on the silver screen at the Apollo Cinema, Piccadilly Circus, as part of the prestigious Raindance Film Festival on Sunday 2nd October.

Set amidst an authentic urban landscape, complete with a quintessential London soundtrack, Victim highlights a number of real life struggles such as trust and abandonment, and the choice between the 9-to-5 and the street hustle.

From teenage angst and sibling rivalry, to jealousy and unrequited love, Victim takes you on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of today’s social complexities. What’s more, the highly anticipated last chance saloon element only adds to the intensity of the film, which is rounded off spectacularly with a poignant monologue from one of the key characters; leading the audience to determine who or what can be defined as a victim?

 

A short Q&A with cast members Michael Maris (co-writer), Jason Maza (co-producer), Anna Nightingale, Letitia Wright and Danny Donnelly (Pure Film), one of the film’s producers, followed the screening.

Explaining how the screen play came about, Michael Maris said: “Whilst working on a youth project with Ashley (Chin, co-writer), we read something in the South London Press about a crime that had happened, and the people around us started making judgments and voicing their opinions on the situation. We (Maris and Chin) were interested in what had happened behind the scenes and what had led them to do what they had done.”

Whilst Ashley Chin was unable to attend the screening due to work commitments abroad, his sister said a few words to the Raindance audience and told us: “Ashley appreciated all of the support from the team and had so much fun making this film.”

 

(L-R) Danny Donnelly, Jason Maza, Raindance representative, Anna Nightingale, Michael Maris, Letitia Wright.

Jason Maza told the audience he loved the script that Chin and Maris had written. Shot in and around East London in just three weeks, Maza explained, “We kept the locations as close as possible. The film was made on a micro budget which meant it only allowed for one or two takes from the actors. A lot of people pulled together on this film, it came from a place of friendship.”

Commenting on film industry Maza continued, “It’s a battle for the UK film industry to gain support; filming, licenses etc….I would love for there to be more support for UK film makers.”

When questioned about the film’s background music, Danny Donnelly said that he was able to get the music for free from friends, “Most of the music heard is from our own repertoire.” Danny also announced that the film will be supported by a soundtrack album.

Describing the casting of Nyla, Letitia Wright’s character, Maris said that they wanted someone feisty, and Letitia gave it to them from the moment she walked in to the audition. Letitia expressed that she fell in love with the script when she first read it, adding, “The cast came to this film with an open heart, which is demonstrated with the time and energy given to it.”

When asked how the film could be seen to reflect the feeling surrounding the recent London riots, Anna Nightingale said, “The film has an important message, in that, in general people do not do bad things for no reason, so this film can bring this issue to light.”

Victim will be in UK cinemas from February 2012. Do not miss it.

Look out for the Victim cast in a number of upcoming projects:
- Jason Maza in Demons Never Die, in cinemas October 28th 2011
- Anna Nightingale in the Channel 4’s Misfits and a new film called Limbo
- Letitia Wright in Top Boy with Ashley Walters, coming out in November
- Ashley Chin and Michael Maris are currently writing together, so their next joint project is sure to be another epic picture

* The next project from Pure Film is Payback Season starring Adam Deacon.

 

 

3 things to know about Raindance:

1. Attendance to Raindance was up 43% this year with many films selling out (including Victim).
2. Raindance Film Festival was established 19 years ago in London.
3. The range of film-shorts, features and documentaries screening at Raindance this year (28th September – 9th October) were submitted from 36 countries across the UK, Europe, North America and the Balkans.

Copyright © 2011 Urban and Otherwise. All Rights Reserved.

The British Urban Film Festival 2011 – 16,17,18 September

Posted on | September 19, 2011 | No Comments

Friday 16th September 2011 saw the opening of The British Urban Film Festival, also known as BUFF; take place at Congress House in London’s West End.  Hosted by the writer and broadcaster Henry Bonsu, the opening night kicked off with a number of trailers of future UK films.  This was closely followed by a short tribute to artists from around the world who lost their lives this year.  The tribute included the likes of legendary West coast singer and hip-hop artist Nate Dogg, jazz poet, musician and author, Gil Scott-Heron, UK soul singer Amy Winehouse, Bubba Smith, star of the hit US comedy film classics Police Academy, and Nigerian actor and comedian Sam Loco Efe.

After a short speech by Bonsu, the lights went down and the first film of the night, Special Delivery (directed by Geoff Searle and starring Aml Ameen) began.  Running for only seven minutes, this film-short about the development of a relationship between two strangers had us laughing not only at the characters, but at ourselves, by a way of relating to the behaviors of the characters on the screen. Oh and I forgot to add, although there was sound, the audience were not able to hear a single word of dialogue between the two characters, genius! Special Delivery received a great reception, and showed us, the audience, a completely different side of film.

The second film of the night was the film I was most looking forward to seeing; ‘David is Dying’ starring Lonyo Engele (better known for this smash UK garage classic ‘Summer of Love’) and feature film newbie, Isaura Barbe-Brown.  I was intrigued by the storyline at first glance!

Synopsis: Billed as a bittersweet tale of love and lust, the film tells the story of David Brown, a confused and tormented man, haunted by his past, in which, as a boy he fell in love with his French-Caribbean mother – a glamorous courtesan who entertained men for money.  Her death heralds the downward spiral in David’s adult life as he attempts to settle down with his partner (Carla).

British Urban Film Festival

…And I also wanted to see if Lonyo could captivate the film audience, just as he did the music audience back in the early UKG days.

A Q&A with the film’s director, Stephen Lloyd Jackson, Lonyo and Isaura followed the screening, enabling us to find out a little more about budget, castings, the transition from music to film and a background to the characters.

Described as a story of control, Jackson explained, “The film came from a mix of components including Salvador Dali’s portrait Nemesis, and the play Oedipus, where a boy falls in love with his mother and tries to kill his father – in addition to a lot of influences from everyday life and relationships.”

When discussing his character David, Lonyo said he was very tentative when exploring the character at first.  However, the less the director told him to do, it seemed that there was more he was able to do.  Lonyo told us he loved the character, including his independence and his financial standing.

Lonyo Engele and Isaura Barbe-Brown discuss the development of the characters, David and Carla, from script to improvisation

Talking about her character Carla, Isaura said: “I couldn’t understand why she was with him (David).  When it’s just her she feels that she can handle him and always relates to back to the past where their relationship is concerned. It’s only when she has the baby she feels that she can finally break ties with him.”  Isaura also went on to say that the hardest scenes for her to shoot were the scenes when she played Roxanne (David’s mum) and where she had to overdose.

When asked why Isaura played both mum and girlfriend Carla, Jackson explained: “Only David should see them as the same person.  The audience should see her as someone separate.” Jackson continued, “We saw hundreds of women for the part of Carla, but the depth Isaura showed in casting sessions demonstrated that she could play both Roxanne and Carla”.

Shot on a 5D digital camera, within recognisable locations such as Brixton, South London, and Brick Lane, East London, the cinematography was extremely creative throughout the film with some beautiful shots.  Utilising such great locations not only allowed for some excellent camera work, but also meant that the budget did not increase.  Although Jackson did admit that he shot this film without really knowing the budget, he added that they managed to get approximately 45hrs of film throughout the 24 day shoot.

There were one or two unanswered questions throughout the film; however Jackson explained this by saying that he likes it when people ask themselves what happened.  And of course we all filled in any gaps ourselves, coming to our own conclusions, and left the screening having thoroughly enjoyed this raw and gripping film.

David is Dying will be screening in the USA (Nashville, Chicago and New York) later this year and heading to Paris in 2012.

3 things to know about BUFF:

1. BUFF was first established in 2005
2. BUFF played host to 16 of the UK’s buffest films across the BUFF 2011 weekend
3. 17th September saw the first public screening of ‘Death of a ten year-old’, a documentary of the death of Damilola Taylor, who was murdered in 2000, just two months after first setting foot in the UK

Henry Bonsu with Stephen Lloyd Jackson, Isaura Barbe-Brown and Lonyo Engele

Copyright © 2011 Urban and Otherwise. All Rights Reserved.

Art emulating real life…

Posted on | September 19, 2011 | No Comments

The defining statement of art emulating real life (the music, the fashion, the colloquial language) has really started to become apparent in the last few years, with the revival of the great British cinema.   Films such as Bullet Boy, Attack The Block, Life and Lyrics, Kidulthood, Adulthood, Shank, This Is England, Anuvahood, Street Dance, 4321 and most recently The Inbetweeners, have risen from the wings of UK cinema and audiences are now starting to see them on centre stage.

Whilst many would file these films under the cinema genre ‘urban’ I’d like to think, otherwise.  Ultimately, they are UK films imitating aspects of real life in some way, shape or form. Take for example the 1980 cult film Babylon.  Co-written by Martin Stellman, writer of the British classic Quadrophenia, and starring Brinsley Forde of the Reggae group Aswad, Babylon depicts the life and times of a black British musician living in Brixton, south London in the early 1980’s.  It may not have been your life but someone somewhere, possibly someone you know, was living this life and going through similar struggles to those portrayed in the film.

Similarly, in 2001, Goodbye Charlie Bright, starring Paul Nichols and Danny Dyer, amongst many other well known faces,  took us into a rough and ready housing estate, where we were given a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of a group of teenage boys – who loved chasing girls and liked to party; but were also prone to getting into trouble.

Even the much earlier black and white films including the 1968 classic, ‘Up The Junction’, depicting the working class community in Battersea, south London, have clearly demonstrated that we’ve all been captivated by films we can relate to.  We have a vested interest in the characters, the locations and the events being acted out before us on screen.

At the end of the day, our love for great British films all boil down to relatedness.  So let’s look beyond the box that they have been put into and perhaps refer to these poignant films as simply ‘Urban & Otherwise’.

Copyright © 2011 Urban and Otherwise. All Rights Reserved.

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The Raindance Film Festival

 

The British Urban Film Festival

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