Sasha Edmunds reviews Walking Shorts Film Festival

On May 11th, I was warmly welcomed at the door of the beautiful Playhouse cinema, Leominster's community hall, by the curators of Walking Shorts. They eagerly provided a brief overview of the evening, which featured an hour and a half of short films all centered around the theme of "Walking" in and around the West Midlands. With a diverse range of creative styles and various storylines, there was something to captivate everyone's attention.

A special mention goes to “Escarpment” by Andy Howlet, which followed a walk through the most and least privileged areas along Solihull's northern border. This film unveiled a part of the world I had never seen before, despite living only an hour and a half away. Howlet's playful transitions with airplanes, shots of contrasting depths, and aesthetic cinematography were engaging to watch, providing inspiration for the other creatives in the room.

Another film that truly stood out was “Cnicht” by Kate Green. Made with Professor Tony Collier, who lived with Motor Neuron Disease, it explored the various ways walking can be experienced. Before losing his mobility, Collier was an enthusiastic landscape artist who frequently explored the local scenery to capture its beauty in his paintings. To continue his passion after his diagnosis, he collaborated with his carer and gardener, Green, who captured moving images for Collier to describe in freeform poetry. As Green physically traversed the hills, Collier did so in his mind. This film offered a new perspective on how walking can serve as a form of escapism, even for those facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The screening had a welcoming atmosphere and was well attended by the local community, artists, and some Walkspace members. With the artists present in the audience, they were able to discuss the films further and answer questions. These discussions provided a deeper understanding of the context, process, and meaning behind the films.

I particularly appreciated the discussion about the film “Bare Witness” by Andy Howe and Jill Impes. Without it, I might not have fully grasped the significance of the film’s topic to the local community of Telford. This film, unique in its deeply historical theme, depicted how the “Cinderloo Uprising” was a crucial part of Telford’s history and its impact on the landscape and ecology. Howe explained that they had secured funding from the local council and the National Lottery to create this documentary.

During the evening, there were discussions about Walkspace potentially creating an annual event. Given the wide range of topics discussed, it's reasonable to anticipate that the audience for Walking Shorts will continue to grow and become more varied, catering to a wider range of interests. There were also discussions about the next event incorporating both walks and more in-depth talks from the artists, which would create a well-rounded experience. While the short films were engaging, it would have been enjoyable to also see other forms of content. It may have also been intriguing to hear responses from younger members of society, such as those from local art colleges and schools.

Overall, it was a really gratifying event to be involved in. I enjoyed being amongst people who are clearly passionate about the world around them and I found the experience to be both grounding and provided some escapism.

I can see Walkspace’s popularity increasing and imagine more people being eager to showcase their work there, especially with a bit more advertising and recognition. It was an overall positive experience. Thank you!

To learn more about Walkspace visit: walkspace.uk