After Snapshot’s previous homecoming for myself at Romford, its 5th Film Festival Selection at Mansfield was somewhat of a homecoming for Producer Sam Barnett.
Though he was unable to make it, I kept him and DOP/Editor Jim Wraith up to date with the ongoings, as I managed to trek up for 2 of the 3 days of this inaugural film festival.
It was very evident upon arrival how much work had gone into turning the Mansfield Palace Theatre into this welcoming beacon and showcase for Filmmakers nation and worldwide, with its working class roots firmly grounded and placed dead centre, something one of the lead festival organisers Jay Martin was firmly proud of reiterating throughout. If I was in his shoes, I’d have also done the same!
It’s why it’s felt and has been such an incredible honour, for Snapshot to be included within the Working Class Voices programme, nominated for such, as well as 3 other nominations for; Josh’s performance, Editing, and for the top prize itself Heart Of Mansfield.
Two friends of mine were already present on the Saturday, watching the other short films, as I arrived around 3pm. It was great to have that company for Snapshot, especially as it was their first time viewing of it.
It played amongst the following;
Snapshot
Margin
Boy In The Back Seat
Short Stay, Long Stay
Heel Drop
Man Off The Coast
Granny
The other 6 short films I hadn’t seen before, and for once wasn’t nervous seeing Snapshot on the big screen playing in front of an audience. I was however shivering, having been caught in a hailstone thunderstorm earlier that afternoon!
It was pindrop silence again, amongst reactionary scoffs to certain scenes. Don’t worry, you’ll understand and may do so when you see the film for yourself! Followed by tears and a firm applause, making Snapshot an incredibly strong opener for what was to come.
It was interesting for Mansfield to place a lot of the strongest and most nominated work first, a pattern I noticed when attending the Sunday with lead actor Josh. Before, Snapshot has been programmed either near the middle or the end of a line-up.
From what I saw, they were all outstanding in their own right and all very much deserved to be there. Margin ended up taking the top prize and awards, and rightfully so!
As said before, I’m more bothered about the exposure for Snapshot. This deeply personal story of mine reaching as far and as wide as possible, and the fact that I entered it the Working Class Voices category questioning its suitability, it ended up playing first, and receiving some of the most nominated of the lot, behind Margin!
The reception and acclaim after was greatly received. Various members of the public, Autistic people, siblings and parents alike, as well as Filmmakers of the other films congratulating me, saying how it’s ‘outstanding’, and how much of a special piece it really is. Others further remarking how it needs to be used as an educational tool shown in Schools and Workplaces!
In particular, speaking to Steve Bolton of the film Granny, a beautiful short about The Dick Kerr Ladies Football team, and surrounding controversies of the Football Association’s ban of Women’s Football not being repealed for decades, interwoven around a woman’s tearful recollection of such glory days. It very much put me in mind of Prazinburk Ridge, which I saw at Wigan. I recommended that to Steve, which he called ‘astonishing’. It truly is! Another that could’ve fit nicely within the Working Class Voices category!
Producer Sam’s the one I turn to and thank though. Forever grateful for his faith in the project, and introducing me to his team. That we all then went on this journey with Snapshot together, on a limited budget emerging from a worldwide pandemic! Pulling out all the stops on the limited resources given.
As stated, Lead Actor Josh Ward joined me for the Sunday screenings, having arrived into Mansfield at 10pm the previous night!
I admire his commitment. Travelling on two coaches over 10 hours, just for the off-chance of collecting and accepting an award, which others remarked was truly deserved for his performance in Snapshot!
We had breakfast on the Sunday morning, then trekked to view the following;
Variety Pack – These were scattered throughout the 3 days, and saw 2 on the Sunday, that bookended the event. Having already seen Kiddo, it was brilliant to relive its horror on the big screen!
Women’s Voices – Some brilliant and beautiful short films here. Seeing Good Grief again after it screened alongside Snapshot at Romford revisited those strong emotions!
Student Shorts – In comparison to mine back when I was at University? Beyond words with how extraordinary the selection on display was.
The Awards Ceremony closed out proceedings, and as said, each and every winner was entirely justified. Especially the music video Stone Giant, which I honestly can’t stop thinking about!
In and amongst the; superb organisation, dedicated breakout room, and content warnings, you couldn’t ask for a better compère who (with his dedicated team) put the time, effort and research into getting this first year's festival right. I think he can rest easy with that to be honest! Couldn't have done a better job!
Jay was also mingling around, chatting, making sure everyone was ok. Even came up to Josh and I after almost offering condolences for no wins. Taking that time to get to know us and more about Snapshot, which at this point, I know like the back of my hand!
BBC East Midlands also made an appearance, but much like the networking and talks going on, Josh and I were very much observers in it all, in between the chats we did manage to have with some people.
I’ve always seen victories in the selections, let alone nominations or wins! Having already applied to 23 film festivals at this point, and being selected for 5 so far!
I’ll close with parts of a speech which I ironically came prepared with, just in case. As I didn’t wish to be a stammering nervous wreck if Snapshot did win.
“After seeing such a fantastically well-selected series of short films with Snapshot...being here at this inaugural festival with every other selection is a win in itself...May this festival’s working class beating heart beat on for many years to come...”