Running 6-8 March, Watersprite began in 2010 as a platform for budding young film-makers to showcase their work and gain valuable experience from industry professionals. This year the organisers have received a record number of entries: over 300 students from across all six continents. Winners will be selected from a variety of categories in a BAFTAs-style closing ceremony.
As well as the awards, events will include the ever-popular Script Lab, a Q&A with Stacey Dooley on documentary making, and talks on the British film industry, how to pitch your film and getting started in directing. There’s also a chance to shoot your own stop-motion animation – the best of which will be streamed in the main foyer throughout the festival.
Festival chairman and Emmy award-winning producer Hilary Bevan Jones says: “Once again we have a fantastic array of nominated films that can be viewed over the weekend. These films, combined with our amazing programme of speakers, will make this year’s Watersprite a festival that continues to inspire the best of filmmakers from around the world.”
Past speakers have included recent Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, Jim Broadbent, Rob Brydon and Victoria Wood. More 2015 speakers to be confirmed – check online for updates.
The Opening Gala takes place on 6 March, 8pm, at the Bateman Auditorium, Gonville and Caius College, led by producer Kevin Loader and BAFTA-winning director Roger Michell (Notting Hill).
On 7 March, take a look behind the scenes as experts from 28 Weeks Later and ITV’s Mr Selfridge share the secrets of the hair and make-up department (1.30pm, Divinity School), then Tom Hollander (Pride and Prejudice, Rev) talks about acting for the big screen (2.30pm, Divinity School).
On 8 March, the winning films from this year’s festival will be screened at the Arts Picturehouse starting at 11am. No need to book, just turn up.
