KESWICK Film Festival’s annual short film competition will have a brush with celebrity this year.
The 'Osprey' judging panel has chosen a shortlist of ten films to screen at the Theatre by the Lake later this month.
The films or film-makers must have a Cumbrian connection, and the shortlisted entries range from a little over one minute long to 11 minutes.
They cover an eclectic mix of subjects - running, walking and bouldering in the Lakes, a study of the Duddon Valley, stories of friendship and relationships, living with and alongside dementia... and the modern-day disaster that is losing your mobile phone.
Having made their selection, the judging panel spotted that one of the films, Rambler Man, was made by actor Angus Imrie, who plays Josh in ‘The Archers’.
Behind the camera for the first time, Angus has directed his on-air dad, Tim Bentinck (who plays David Archer), in his two-hander set on the Cumbrian fells.
Tim’s face may not be familiar but his warm voice is known to millions.
The film explores mental health, masculinity and our emotional connections with the great outdoors.
Judging panel member Carol Rennie, of the town's Alhambra cinema, said: "It gets harder and harder each year to whittle the entries down to a shortlist; choosing the winner will be even more difficult.
"Our film-makers this year have demonstrated some real technical expertise and I can promise the audience not only a visual treat but an emotional one as well."
Whilst the main prize will be determined by the judges, all those who come to the free to enter event will get the chance to vote for their favourite short film, which will receive the Audience Award.
Fans of The Archers are requested not to show favouritism!
Festival director Ian Payne said: "The Ospreys are an essential part of the Film Festival.
"They offer a window into the creativity of the thriving Cumbrian arts community and the inspiration that the Lake District provides to film makers.
"There are some other film awards being dished out that weekend but the Ospreys are the real prizes."
Musician and film-maker Carl Hunter, director of Sometimes, Always, Never, will be screening two of his personal lockdown films, including More Than Time, at the Osprey awards afternoon.
Keswick Film festival runs from March 24 to 27, at The Alhambra Cinema, Theatre by the Lake and the Rheged Centre, Penrith.
The Osprey Short Film awards will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 26, at the Theatre by the Lake.
For full details of the shortlist and programme go to keswickfilmfestival.org.
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