Success of Swindon Independent Film Festival 2023

Swindon Independent Film Festival drew to a close with its annual Gala Evening.

The festival took place throughout last week, showcasing what the organisers hailed as some brilliant films from the independent film sector. 

Each evening saw independently made films showing at Artsite and the Post Modern, where members of the public could go along and see a selection for themselves.

This year’s film festival showed a range of international films that explored different cultures, touched on impactful themes, and most of all left the audience captivated from start to finish. 

There were exclusive UK premiers for three international films: Maria, José Maria from Portugal; Dublin Crust and Killer Krush, both from Ireland.

The gala evening began at Mam’s Gallery and Total Health Café on Eastcott Hill for a drinks and networking session before moving to Artsite and the Post Modern for the awards ceremony, which was presented by Festival Director Bobbie-Leigh Brandybuck and Comms Director Clegg Bamber MBE.

Bobbie-Leigh Brandybuck, said: “The quality of the films we had submitted this year made judging a really good experience, but at times during the judging process, it ultimately meant tough decisions were made. 

"On behalf of the whole judging panel, I extend my congratulations to all our winners and nominees.”

Clegg Bamber MBE said: “It was a real privilege to be able to host some brilliant filmmakers at our gala evening. 

"People travelled from across the UK and overseas to be with us for the evening. Independent cinema is so important to the film sector, and the creative industries more widely, and we here at Swindon Independent Film Festival are proud to be able to play a part in bringing independent cinema to life in the town.”

Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, also attended the gala evening and gave a speech highlighting the creative strength of Swindon and commending the film festival for its success in 2023. 

The award-winners are:

Best Short Film (Under 20 mins) – Maria, José Maria (directed by Chico Noras)

Best Long Short Film (21-50 mins) – A Ray of Hope (directed by Matt Colins Evans)

Best Drama – STILLNESS (directed by Rachel Fowler)

Best Documentary – Last May in Palestine (directed by Rabeea Eid)

Best Comedy – UFOLOGISTS (directed by Jason Gregg)

Best Horror – Salesmen (directed by Dylan Green)

Best International Film – Captain Brovary/??????? £?????? (directed by Eduard Nechmohlod)

Best Youth Film – My Superpower (directed by Maxwell William Andrews)

Best Student Film – Killer Krush (directed by Izzy Dalton)

Best Director – Old Man, Con Man (directed by Oskar Nilsson)

Best Screenplay – For Pete’s Sake (directed by Gerald B. Fillmore)

Best Post Production – Fear Incarnate (directed by Dylan Coburn)

Best Cinematography – Maria, José Maria (directed by Chico Noras)

Best Sound Design – Tommies (directed by Brian Fairbairn, Karl Eccleston)

Best Costume Design – White Christmas 1948 (directed by Antonios Nikiforos Vallindras)

Best Lead Actor – Nicholas Pople in The Nautilus Mutiny (directed by Daniel Shehata)

Best Supporting Actor – Steven Powell in UFOLOGISTS (directed by Jason Gregg)

Best Edit – Midnight Ride (directed by Alessandro Farrattini Pojani)

Best Local Film – The Relented (directed by Steve James Moore)

Festival Favourite voted for by the guests who came to the festival – Dublin Crust (directed by Baz Black)

An honourable mention was also given to the animated short film Friendly Fire (directed by Tom Koryto Blumen)