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Short but sweet

Ben Murch
17/11/2003

FILM graduates from Salford University are preparing to see their work hit the big screen at celebrity screenings in both London and Manchester.

Comedian and raconteur Arthur Smith will be a guest of honour when short films by local amateurs are screened at The Other Cinema in London's West End on November 27 for Shortz Night 2003.

Other famous names are lined up for a showing at Manchester's Cornerhouse cinema on December 9 when audiences will be able to vote for their favourite films with prizes presented by the celebrities.

Last year, final year students organised their first show at Cornerhouse. It sold out and, spurred on by enthusiastic responses, they have now returned to the university to build on their success.

The festival has been organised by graduates Jo Dyrlaga, David Brennan and Julian Bethell, plus third-year student Ben Bangbala and lecturer Bill McCoid.

"It's completely organised by the students, with the help of one lecturer," said Jo.

"It came about because we have made these films and they were just too good to languish in the desk drawers of the lecturers.

"Last year it sold out completely. This year it's going to be bigger and better - and there's even a possibility that it will be going to New York next year."

The films on show are all final year projects, varying in length from six to 25 minutes and range in subject from a documentary about a Falklands War veteran through to comedies and love stories.

Last year's Cornerhouse show attracted interest with films shown on the BBC's website and Manchester's own Channel M.

• For information or tickets on the festival, visit www.shortznight.com or contact David Brennan at davidjbrennan@hotmail.com or on 07855 201929.