Galway Film Fleadh 2012 Cinema Review: Shorts Round-Up
Shorts Programme 7
For some reason this wonderful, varied selection of Irish shorts seemed to have a recurring theme of anamorphic birds. Playing to a full house in the Town Hall Theatre, the light comedy, gripping tension & heartfelt emotion elicited by these brief films certainly helped to shift the grogginess incurred from the previous night’s shenanigans at the Rowing Club.
Short Shorts
Bird Food
Director: Richard Keane
Producer: Laura Roche
Simple and riotously funny, beware of adorable pigeons is the moral of this tale, as a diligent worker is unable to enjoy his sandwiches at the local park.
Homemade
Director: Luke McManus
Producer: Annemarie Naughton
Homemade sports some exquisite, dark humour, as lonely Pensioner Tommy Fogarty uses his culinary skills to woo a lady friend. Unfortunately his romantic plans are thwarted by an aggressive group of teenage girls.
Barry’s Bespoke Bakery
Director: Denis McArdle
Producer: Ben Keenan
When it comes to this short I’m about as biased as they come, but I still find it fantastic. Barry and his ‘slapdash’ employee Brian exchange some harsh words as they cook a special wedding cake in his Bespoke Bakery. Definitely don’t go see this hungry, as you’ll be gnawing the side of the chairs at the sight of all the scrumptious-looking cakes.
Learning To Fish
Director: Teemu Auersalo
Producer: Nicky Gogan
Quirky visuals teamed with some very clever writing, Learning To Fish is about a shrewd seagull and his arduous quest for some tasty grub.
The Tree
Director: David Freyne
Producer: Rachael O’Kane
The Tree is an interesting and very dark post-apocalyptic short in which a weary man goes in search of sustenance though an arid landscape. He thinks he’s found salvation when he happens across an apple tree.
Un Peu Plus
Director: Conor Ferguson
Producer: Ailish Bracken
An engaging, international flavour to add to the pot of this year’s food theme, Un Peu Plus sees the peckish Madame Rousseau visiting café after café. As her tasty cake tour unfolds, the real reason for her journey is reveals.
Pet Hate
Director: Andy Clarke
Producer: Sean McGrath
The ancient struggle of man versus beast continues with this humorous animation. Pet Hate tells the tale of an exhausted pet shop owner doing battle with his very cheeky merchandise.
Gearrscannáin
El Toro
Director: Tomás Seoighe
Producer: David Clarke
El Toro is funny, bizarre and oddly touching. Cian, who’s despondent dad doesn’t notice he’s being bullied at school, finds a teacher in the most unlikely of places, and finds himself face to face with a load of bull.
Sylvia
Director: Seamus Moran
Producer: Marie Caffrey
Another touch of the surreal as Gaeilge: the titular character Sylvia is a mystical motorbike, who’s all revved up over her mistreatment by her lovelorn, teenage owner.
Frameworks
Tríd An Stoirm
Director: Fred Burdy
Producer: Sean McGrath
Some gorgeous videogame-esque visuals tell the supernatural story of a woman teamed with a Banshee to save her husband.
On Departure
Director: Eoin Duffy
Producer: Alan Doherty
This trippy, quirky short sees an unusual character making his way through an airport.
Here To Fall
Director: Kris Kelly
Producer: Evelyn McGrath
Absolutely beautiful Japanese-style graphics accompany a young girls’ misadventures after a call from her father.
After You
Director: Damien O’Connor
Producer Steve Woods
Video killed the radio store, as did revolving doors threaten one dedicated Dublin doorman. This adorable short showcases the city beautifully while chronicling his 60-year career.
Irish Folk Furniture
Director: Tony Donoghue
This animated documentary tugged at the just the right heartstrings while making the whole cinema chuckle. Fantastic, fun and will no doubt appeal mightily to nostalgic ex-pats, after watching Irish Folk Furniture you’ll never look at an old shelving unit the same again.
Fear Of Flying
Director: Conor Finnegan
Producer: Brunella Cocchiglia
This quick-witted, laugh-a-minute short follows a fearful wee bird and all he must endure to avoid heading South for the winter. One of the funniest things I’ve seen in a long, long time, and a great way to end the screening.
Gemma Creagh
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