Last month, Eden Court staged the first FILMLANDS network short film showcase, presenting some of the finest up and coming filmmaking talent from the Highlands and Islands. Eden Court Cinema Youth Board member Millie Reid was there.

The FILMLANDS network, a new project launched by Eden Court, aims to create connections between aspiring filmmakers and people already working in the industry. The wide variety of projects showcased at their inaugural event in April began with Balhama, a comedic horror short directed by Ruaridh Lever-Hogg. Spoken entirely through sign language, giving the audience a unique and visually stunning viewing experience, the film told the story of a couple’s visit to an eerie hotel on the west coast with some hilariously creepy characters.

Exploring identity in small villages on the west coast of Scotland, Their Accounts, a factual piece by Hannah Hunter, is told through soundbites from the young people who live in these areas, who are facing a gentrification crisis in their hometowns. Seeing the determination of these young people is really inspiring, elevated by its gorgeous visual presentation.

Two animated shorts were shown at the showcase, both in Gaelic and by filmmakers from the Inverness area. The first of these, A’ Gabhail Ris - directed by Allan Crook, who wrote the script alongside its narrator Eilidh Johnson - is a story of a man whose life is surrounded by pain and destruction as the world around him faces the threat of war. Simplistic animation and layers of twists made it a sobering reminder of the possibilities that may face mankind.

Sophie Smith’s engaging An Glaoine Nan Draoidh takes inspiration from Celtic mythology and tells the story of a young girl who visits a magical graveyard and receives a ring from a spirit, which gives her future son the gift of foresight. All the frames in the film were drawn digitally by Sophie and the amount of time and effort they invested in this project is evident.

Le Chéile, directed by Róise Nic an Bheatha, was a highlight among the event’s audience. It features both Scottish Gaelic and Irish dialogue and depicts two men whose football rivalry is overcome by their shared experiences with the languages. Made on a small budget, the results are tremendous, presenting a powerful message of unity and the importance of keeping smaller languages alive.

Isobella Hubbard’s Just a Walk highlights safety fears felt by many women in today’s society when out alone in public. The film depicts the journeys of two women - one who goes for a run during the day and another who is trying to get home at night - both of whom are being followed and whose lives are at risk regardless of where they are. The perspectives of the women were shot with 16mm film, while the perspective of the predator was shot on a digital camera. Such a harrowing - but frighteningly normal – experience that women go through is presented in a haunting but cinematically grounded manner to create a genuinely thought-provoking film.

The Missing Sock was a crowd pleaser at the event; a fun and light-hearted watch (directed by Karen Ross) which follows a sock and its journey away from the washing machine and out into the wild, with the help of a mischievous dog.

Missed Call is a heartbreaking drama depicting the strained relationship between a father and son, who both have their own secrets about their private lives. Directed by Chak Hin Leung, one of the arts practitioners at Eden Court, the film had wonderful visuals, a relatable storyline and powerful performances.

The members of Eden Court Cinema Youth Board were also in attendance at the event, and one of its members, Joe Walsh, had his film Parcel Force screened. The film satirises the life of a postman, showing his struggles to keep his job and his hilarious quest to deliver a parcel to the top of an apartment building. This short was detailed, original, fun take and had the audience in hysterics.

The films were followed by a Q+A with the filmmakers conducted by Eden Court’s Engagement Producer in Film, Drew Tremlett. Overall, the event was a real success that allowed viewers to gain insight into the potential of the next generation of filmmakers and inspire others interested in the industry to get involved in the opportunities available in their communities.

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