‘Psyche’ is a captivating experimental, psychological thriller from South African filmmaker Jonathan Geach. Trapped in a stark, colourless room that reeks of fear, loneliness and doubt, a young woman is subjected to a terrifying ordeal as a series of mystifying and ominous letters appear under her door. The title ‘Psyche’ gives us a clue asContinue reading “In Review ‘Psyche’ by Jonathan Geach”
Author Archives: Sarah Smith
New Programme for Brighton Rocks Introducing ‘Women Rock’
One of the pillar stones of Brighton Rocks International Film Festival is our support of the undersung hero, and who represents that more than female filmmakers..? Whether you are behind or in front of the camera, an all-female cast and crew, or telling a female-led story, we want to see your films. While there hasContinue reading “New Programme for Brighton Rocks Introducing ‘Women Rock’”
In Review ‘The Lies We Tell Ourselves’ by Saara Lamberg
‘The Lies We Tell Ourselves’ is a delightful meta mockumentary spiked with tragedy, comedy, satire and self-reflection. Written and directed by Finnish-Australian filmmaker Saara Lamberg, she accurately and sometimes heartbreakingly analyse the pitfalls and injustices of the industry whilst reflecting on her own body of work and self as a filmmaker and person in theContinue reading “In Review ‘The Lies We Tell Ourselves’ by Saara Lamberg”
Protected: In Review ‘The Family Portrait’ by Julia Shlenskaya
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: In Review ‘Providence’ by Julia Shlenskaya
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Interview with Mac Montero Writer & Director of ‘Hello?’
‘Hello’ by filmmaker Mac Montero is a salacious, filthy joy of a short comedy. Set in London in the 90’s a businesswoman calls her boyfriend during her lunch break for phone sex. What follows is a beautifully scripted and provocative conversation which doesn’t quite go to plan. All set within the confines of an iconicContinue reading “Interview with Mac Montero Writer & Director of ‘Hello?’”
Protected: Interview with Julia Shlenskaya, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Providence’
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
In Review ‘Don’t Choke’ by Sonny Baez
‘Don’t Choke’ by Sonny Baez takes no time in setting the tone as it takes you on a fast-paced, frenetic and surreal ride as we follow a highly competitive game of tennis between two warring parents in the middle of a divorce. But this is no normal game – the winning prize is custody ofContinue reading “In Review ‘Don’t Choke’ by Sonny Baez”
In Review ‘Skewered’ by Nick Ray Rutter
‘Skewered’ is an off-beat dark comedy with lashes of horror and a dash of musical numbers. A Lamplight Production directed by Nick Ray Rutter and co-written with Ben Richardson and brother Noah Rutter, it is an unexpected tale of shame, infidelity and a couple’s doomed relationship, enveloped within a juicy, meat-filled wrap – the gloriousContinue reading “In Review ‘Skewered’ by Nick Ray Rutter”
Protected: Interview with Sonny Baez Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Don’t Choke’
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Interview With David Walter Hall Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Passing Through’
‘Passing Through‘ by David Walter Hall is a tense, revelatory family drama set in the soporific languor of the South of France. Rife with family estrangement, battles amongst couples and personal secrets it is a highly commendable first feature film by David. As the film continues it festival circuit, Brighton Rocks is thrilled to beContinue reading “Interview With David Walter Hall Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Passing Through’”
Interview with Julie Magnaudet Writer & Director of ‘Broken Hearts’
In a parallel universe, deftly crafted and brought to life by London Film School graduate Julie Magnaudet, there is treatment available for those terminally unlucky in love. ‘Broken Hearts’, set in a fantastical hospital, houses alternative therapy rooms and through a series of bonding exercises, love is encouraged to bloom. However those out there withContinue reading “Interview with Julie Magnaudet Writer & Director of ‘Broken Hearts’”
Interview with Nick Ray Rutter Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Skewered’
Watching the delightful genre-bending short film ‘Skewered’ by Nick Ray Rutter, I had one of those rare joyous moments – always in a busy cafe or the library – when you find yourself maniacally laughing out loud with your headphones on as I feel into the absurd bliss. This captivating short has been brought toContinue reading “Interview with Nick Ray Rutter Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Skewered’”
In Review ‘Room For One’ by Madeline Hatt
‘Room for One’, a one woman short film written and performed by Madeline Hatt, was born from a desire to talk about women’s safety and to highlight the woeful progress that has been made since the film’s setting in the 1940s. Madeline shaped and developed the script from a stream-of-consciousness monologue which she then paredContinue reading “In Review ‘Room For One’ by Madeline Hatt”
Interview with Writer & Director Joseph Archer and Writer & Actor Cathy Wippell of ‘The Cornucopia Club’
‘The Cornucopia Club’ by Joseph Archer is a testament to the filmmaker’s prowess as a director able to absorb an audience into the stylised and rich world he has built – one dripping in satire, stuffed with witty and opportune jokes and oozing with opulence of the worst kind. His short film, inspired by aContinue reading “Interview with Writer & Director Joseph Archer and Writer & Actor Cathy Wippell of ‘The Cornucopia Club’”
In Review ‘Songs of the Chambermaids’ and Interview with Writer & Director Mark C. Hewitt
The talents of playwright, poet, theatre maker & filmmaker Mark C. Hewitt have been deservedly recognised at Rocks Festivals over the years as his work continues to challenge, surprise and captivate audiences and reviewers alike. A sequence of microfilm-poems with the overarching title ‘Les Coffrets’ played at Brighton Rocks 2022, and in June this yearContinue reading “In Review ‘Songs of the Chambermaids’ and Interview with Writer & Director Mark C. Hewitt”
Video Interview with Deborah Espect Festival Director of FilmPride
Filmmaker and Festival Director Deborah Espect has been successfully operating and growing Brighton & Hove’s official LGBTQIA+ film festival FilmPride, which is now in it’s fifth year. FilmPride curates indie queer films, made by, and about, members of the LGBTQIA+ community from all over the world and 2023 boasts a packed programme of shorts, documentariesContinue reading “Video Interview with Deborah Espect Festival Director of FilmPride”
In Review: ‘Daniel Came Home’ by Brian Gregory
Written, directed and produced by Brighton-based filmmaker Brian Gregory, ‘Daniel Came Home’ looks at the indelible trauma and lasting effects that our upbringing can have on us – even posthumously. The horror-fuelled dramatic experimental film employs a myriad of skilful cinematic techniques which wholly absorb you throughout the 16 minute runtime. The film is adaptedContinue reading “In Review: ‘Daniel Came Home’ by Brian Gregory”
In Review: ‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren
‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren and production company Jack and Grace Productions is a powerfully perceptive examination of grief through the eyes of a young girl. The ambitious New York-based filmmaker succinctly devised a script which centralises on twelve-year-old Vivienne, sneaking into her first concert with the help of her older brother. A traumatic event witnessedContinue reading “In Review: ‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren”
Interview with Finella Waddilove, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘How Long Have We Got Left?’
Watching the hilarious short film ‘How Long Have We Got Left’ by Finella Waddilove, I found myself, as I’m sure many others can relate, recalling a time when I trawled through a succession of rather dire jobs. But far from being depressing, it was such a treat to see a film that, thanks to Finella’sContinue reading “Interview with Finella Waddilove, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘How Long Have We Got Left?’”
Rocks Festivals Blog 