Rolland’s film night is proving a big hit

Published on 06/09/2012 13:37

EDINBURGH’S independent filmmakers are in the spotlight over the next few weeks as part of the UK-wide Scala Beyond Festival, a celebration of cinema and screening films to audiences.

Write Shoot Cut is a free monthly film night which takes place at the Banshee Labyrinth on Niddry Street, a place to watch new short films and meet the filmmakers. Rather than audiences sitting at home and watching shorts on YouTube, these events allow the films to be seen on the big screen.

“There’s a lot of talent out there on the filmmaking fringes that needs to be shouted about and I couldn’t see anyone else doing it,” says Write Shoot Cut founder, Neil Rolland.

“In February I contacted the Banshee Labyrinth, put out a call for shorts and two weeks later Write Shoot Cut was born. It was an instant hit, with the cinema packed to the rafters. It’s been that way every month since.”

Rolland’s biggest event yet takes place on Monday, with five Scottish films screened, including the Edinburgh-set Mum’s Birthday, which I’ve raved about in these pages before. Visit www.write-shoot-cut.com for full details.

Another event to look out for is Shoot First Scotland, coming to Filmhouse on Saturday 16 September. Aimed at both filmmakers and film fans, we’re promised screenings, an interactive panel discussion and professional insight into how low budget films are made.

Short films being shown include the excellent Ma Bar and Rabbit Punch, while BAFTA-award winning directors will be on hand to share their expertise.

Both Write Shoot Cut and Shoot Film First are a great way to find out what’s happening in Edinburgh filmmaking today, a chance to meet and support the writers and directors who could one day be household names.