Brighton Rocks

In a parallel universe, deftly crafted and brought to life by London Film School graduate Julie Magnaudet, there is treatment available for those terminally unlucky in love. ‘Broken Hearts’, set in a fantastical hospital, houses alternative therapy rooms and through a series of bonding exercises, love is encouraged to bloom. However those out there withContinue reading “Interview with Julie Magnaudet Writer & Director of ‘Broken Hearts’”

Watching the delightful genre-bending short film ‘Skewered’ by Nick Ray Rutter, I had one of those rare joyous moments – always in a busy cafe or the library – when you find yourself maniacally laughing out loud with your headphones on as I feel into the absurd bliss. This captivating short has been brought toContinue reading “Interview with Nick Ray Rutter Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Skewered’”

The talents of playwright, poet, theatre maker & filmmaker Mark C. Hewitt have been deservedly recognised at Rocks Festivals over the years as his work continues to challenge, surprise and captivate audiences and reviewers alike. A sequence of microfilm-poems with the overarching title ‘Les Coffrets’ played at Brighton Rocks 2022, and in June this yearContinue reading “In Review ‘Songs of the Chambermaids’ and Interview with Writer & Director Mark C. Hewitt”

Filmmaker and Festival Director Deborah Espect has been successfully operating and growing Brighton & Hove’s official LGBTQIA+ film festival FilmPride, which is now in it’s fifth year. FilmPride curates indie queer films, made by, and about, members of the LGBTQIA+ community from all over the world and 2023 boasts a packed programme of shorts, documentariesContinue reading “Video Interview with Deborah Espect Festival Director of FilmPride”

Written, directed and produced by Brighton-based filmmaker Brian Gregory, ‘Daniel Came Home’ looks at the indelible trauma and lasting effects that our upbringing can have on us – even posthumously. The horror-fuelled dramatic experimental film employs a myriad of skilful cinematic techniques which wholly absorb you throughout the 16 minute runtime. The film is adaptedContinue reading “In Review: ‘Daniel Came Home’ by Brian Gregory”

‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren and production company Jack and Grace Productions is a powerfully perceptive examination of grief through the eyes of a young girl. The ambitious New York-based filmmaker succinctly devised a script which centralises on twelve-year-old Vivienne, sneaking into her first concert with the help of her older brother. A traumatic event witnessedContinue reading “In Review: ‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren”

Watching the hilarious short film ‘How Long Have We Got Left’ by Finella Waddilove, I found myself, as I’m sure many others can relate, recalling a time when I trawled through a succession of rather dire jobs. But far from being depressing, it was such a treat to see a film that, thanks to Finella’sContinue reading “Interview with Finella Waddilove, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘How Long Have We Got Left?’”

Shot entirely in black & white, ‘Daniel Came Home’ is a haunting and dramatic short brought to life by a considered and knowledgeable filmmaker Brian Gregory. The film, which was the worthy winner of the Best Micro Budget Film Award at this year’s Brighton Rocks Film Festival, features an outstanding performance by David Keyes, supportedContinue reading “Interview with Brian Gregory Writer, Director & Producer of ‘Daniel Came Home’”

Liv Boren’s sensitive multi-layered exploration of trauma and grief in her short drama ‘REVERB’ are a clear testament to the filmmaker’s depth of understanding of these themes and an excellent reminder of the myriad of opportunities the big screen offers us. A brother and sister, both wading through torrid emotional waters, experience a shocking andContinue reading “Interview with Liv Boren, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘REVERB’”

‘The Nanny’ by Brian Reynolds is a fabulously dark and macabre tale of power, control and the most vile betrayals. Reynolds comes from a theatre background and having achieved success and recognition for his work on short films, he was drawn to write and produce a feature-length film. ‘The Nanny’ brings together the filmmakers’ ownContinue reading “Interview with Brian Reynolds, Writer & Director of ‘The Nanny’”

Horror films might not be everyone’s cup of tea but they undoubtedly can and have been used in film as a fabulous vehicle for social commentary. When filmmaker Craig Ford was looking to explore a series of cautionary queer tales, he looked to his beloved horror genre for inspiration. ‘The Witching Hour’ is Craig’s thirdContinue reading “Interview with Writer & Director Craig Ford and Producer Jonny Bunyan of ‘The Witching Hour’”

Brian Reynolds is a multitalented filmmaker who has made a name for himself with his thought-provoking and emotionally charged films. ‘The Nanny’ follows a wealthy couple hire a young girl from Finland to take care of their newborn. These new parents should be in a state of bliss, so why does it seem like theyContinue reading “Video Interview with Brian Reynolds Writer & Director of ‘The Nanny’”

Filmmaker Issy Songer is a recent graduate of Brighton Screen and Film School whose film ‘Safe Space’ explores the relatable and delightful variety of school dramas through the perspective of a girls school mirror. From gossip and embarrassing moments, to the unseen struggles of young girls Issy has created a film which explore issues thatContinue reading “Video Interview with Issy Songer Writer & Director of ‘Safe Space’”

Hugo Santa Cruz’s production co-op ANTi KiNO is a delightfully refreshing and progressive group that aims unapologetically to promote feature films and documentaries that take aim at the ethos of those in control of the film industry in their gilded cages. It is no surprise that his latest feature film ‘The Fifth Generation’ embodies theContinue reading “Interview with Hugo Santa Cruz, Writer, Director & Producer of ‘The Fifth Generation’”

In a world teeming with generic and bland content, nothing puts a smile on my face more than an original and quirky piece of work. Mockumentary ‘StartStop (The Untold Story as told by Mary Applestone a film by Jim Banfield)’ fits this bill perfectly. The writers, directors, producers and all round creative talents Kew andContinue reading “Interview with Kew & Michael Bennett Leroux of ‘StartStop (The Untold Story as told by Mary Applestone a film by Jim Banfield)’”

Screening at Brighton Rocks on Saturday the 24th June in our late night programme “Beware Ye Who Enters Here” from 9.30pm at the Actors. ‘The Witching Hour’ by Craig Ford and production company Pardon Our French has adapted the weird and wonderful cinematic world of horror and applied it to the inner turmoil of aContinue reading “In Review: ‘The Witching Hour’, by Craig Ford”

Forge Photography & Film Production are an ambitious company whose recent focus on documentary filmmaking has led to the fruition of ‘Never Too Young Never Too Old’. Father and Son duo Mick and George Child wanted to find a way to commemorate the memory of their beloved family member Sid Metcalfe, who they began filmingContinue reading “Interview with George Child & Nick Belby of ‘Never Too Young Never Too Old’”

Refugia World was founded by actress, activist and philanthropist Liana Cornell. Alongside her passion for supporting grassroots solutions to the climate crisis, Liana has specific interest in animal rights, rainforest conservation and protecting our Oceans. Liana says, “I am an activist because I have no other choice. I cannot sit by while the world burnsContinue reading “Video Interview with Liana Cornell Writer, Director & Producer of ‘REFUGIA – Episode 1′ and James Crawle

Rachel Fowler is a brave and candid filmmaker whose striking exploration of a largely untouched subject matter, the tragedy of stillbirth, is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. For the production of her directorial debut, Rachel carried out a hugely admirable amount of research, ensuring an accurate and proper treatment of the subject. She thenContinue reading “Interview with Rachel Fowler, Writer & Director of ‘Stillness’”

Kai Fiáin’s spirited queer folktale ‘Dippers & Oysters’ is an imaginative and fresh film which embodies so many of the mantras we hold dear at Brighton Rocks. The Irish screenwriter, director and producer cut their teeth as a filmmaker exploring LGBTQ asylum seekers, globalisation and working class subcultures through documentary. ‘Dippers & Oysters’ marks theirContinue reading “Interview with Kai Fiáin Writer & Director of ‘Dippers & Oysters’”