To celebrate Fourth Week, DU Film Society (Film Soc) ran a 48-hour smartphone film competition. The event was open to all, and no previous filmmaking experience was required. The aim of the event was to showcase what can be achieved in only 48 hours, and to demonstrate just how accessible filmmaking can be with a bit of creativity.
During the launch party on Monday night, the teams were given three prompts: a key, a high five and some steps. Following a brief workshop on some filming basics, the teams were then left to their own devices.
On Thursday night of Fourth Week, the event’s showcase and award ceremony took place in Pacino’s. The 48 hours were up, the films were in and it was time to celebrate the teams for their efforts. Following on from some amazing free Italian food and drinks, all involved gathered around for the screenings.
In total, eight films were submitted, with an average length of three minutes running time. In Chasing Tomorrow, a young man lives the same day 1,000 times, desperately searching for a way out. The director, chose to end the film with “Coming Soon”, so it will be very interesting to see where they will take the concept next. Jimmy’s Key gave us a hilarious portrayal of climbing the, what seem to be endless, staircases in Trinity and included a very funny slow motion shot.
OneTwoThree was one of the more quirky, off-the-wall films of the night. It follows one man’s response to a key and some instructions that he finds in his possession, accompanied by a soundtrack reminiscent of John Cassavetes’s “Shadows”. The Master Key was a humorous yet deadly portrayal of what can happen when you lock your housemate out of the house. The film Do You Have A Fag? touched on mental health, and boasted some of the best cinematography of the night. Here Lies Ross was received as the best film of the night.
Weijzzule saw one student bring his student ID card collector life to the big screen, documenting how he would then fall victim to a mysterious card collecting nemesis. The Perks of Being a Halls Resident was a brilliantly filmed, black and white, silent comedy about the despondency of Pat in Halls.
The films were highly imaginative and creative, and the amount of talent showcased created a strong sense of competition on the night. Do You Have A Fag? was awarded third place, while Jimmy’s Key placed second. The Perks of Being A Halls Resident was declared the best film on the night, earning the team behind the film an Ultramax 1800mAh Powerbank, 3D virtual reality smartphone goggles, a set of three smartphone camera lenses, selfie stick and earphones.
The event provided those who are interested in filmmaking with a starting point, and allowed those involved to develop greater confidence in their capabilities. If one can make enjoyable and engaging films in just 48 hours, imagine what could be achieved in more time. By the end of the night, all present left feeling entertained, and with an increased desire to create more films.
