University filmmakers launch Isolation Film Festival.

A pair of filmmakers, who are usually based at the University of Chester, have launched a film festival with an inclusive difference – it’s for everyone currently isolated at home and practising social distancing.

Chris ‘Tiffer’ Berry and Alexander Blackburn are part of the University’s Audio Visual (AV) team, and decided to host The Isolation Film Festival in their own personal capacities - as a way to ‘encourage creativity and to be positive during this unfortunate time’.

Chris Berry began his career "making utterly ridiculous videos on YouTube around 10 years ago". He added: “Working on the idea for this Festival has been so much fun. I’ve enjoyed every second of creating it and I really hope it helps inspires people to be creative at what is a difficult time for so many of us. We have only one rule – stay home. Our motto is to spread creativity – not the virus. Create a one to three minute short about anything – and only use the people in your household to make it (if you use people at all).”

Alexander Blackburn, who has been making films since his college days and has also worked in post-production on feature films, added that the concept for the Festival had changed as the pair worked on it. “When Chris and I had this idea, we thought it could just all be about fun, but more recently we have realised that it means more to us than that, and it’s been great to see it gather momentum. Entries can either be sent to us directly (with a link to where it is) by emailing staycreative@isolationfilmfestival.com , or through the Festival website and they can also be submitted via social media using the hashtag #IsolationFilmFestival and linking it to @isolationfilmfestival”.

The closing date for submission is May 31. More information, including terms and conditions, can be found at:

www.isolationfilmfestival.com

#StayCreativeStayHome