FilmLive in Leith

Scotland's independent film network premieres first film festival.

by Amber Wilkinson

FilmLive – Scotland’s independent film network premieres its first ever Film Festival at the 100th Leith Festival this June. The two-day programme will feature some of the best from Scottish Indie cinema as well as exciting new filmmaking talent.

FilmLive.org is a non-profit organisation seeking to provide a platform and resources to support new and emerging talent.

Founder of FilmLive, Ben McNeill said: "The FilmLive project was set up to encourage filmmaking in Scotland and prove that we have great potential as a nation for creating a thriving film industry.

"Our first ever Film Festival heralds an exciting new partnership with Leith Festival which is great news for Scotland’s film network".

The program will explore two very different styles of filmmaking. Saturday June 2 showcases true guerrilla style filmmaking with what can be achieved with drive and focused creative passion on a no-to-low budget, while Saturday June 9 explores established independent filmmaking routes, with seasoned filmmakers on hand to discuss their experiences in the Scottish film industry.

FilmLive will be showcasing the best of the FilmLive.org network talent, with screenings, Q&A and networking opportunities throughout each day as well as a host of fantastic features, workshops and events.

MiMac: Rushes and Shoot First, two of Scotland’s best regular film festivals, will be showing some of their best entries over recent months as well as running some exciting workshops on Independent Filmmaking.

Edinburgh’s Newest Film Festival boasts two Worldwide Premieres of low-budget filmmaking. Jesus Versus The Messiah, the controversial debut feature from writer/director Alan Ronald which sets a new standard in low budget film-making, and Lost Weekend, a comic story of a young man trying to stay alive on his 25th birthday, directed by Dave Rattray (Read our feature on the film here).

Also featured is Night People the first feature film of Director Adrian Mead and Producer Clare Kerr.

NexusLive will be hosting a special session promoting their new show. They are the UK’s First Live Music WebTV Show. Broadcasting live from the Bongo Club and Showstreams Studios in Edinburgh, pioneering fresh new talent such as Jack Butler, Popup, Sandi Thom plus Leith's own Isa and the Filthy Tongues.

Edinburgh based band Rieser, hailed as "one of the best Scots’ rock debuts of the year" by XFM Radios Jim Gellatly will end the night with an acoustic session providing plenty of opportunity to network with Scotland’s best filmmakers.

FilmLive Saturdays is an opportunity for filmmakers and audience to mix, watch great films and participate in interactive sessions and filmmaking workshops.

John Paul McGroarty, Artistic Director of Leith Festival said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with FilmLive on an ongoing basis for the FilmLive Saturdays, an integral part of our Film@LeithFestival programme.

"FilmLive is an excellent new initiative with an important role to play in supporting and stimulating independent filmmaking, increased audiences and new venues in Scotland."

The event runs from 2pm till Midnight on June 2 and 9 at the Granary on the Shore, Leith, Edinburgh as part of the 10 day Leith Festival event. Tickets are £3 and are on sale now at the Leith Festival box office 0131 5554104.

for more information visit: www.filmlive.org

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