Film still, For Elsie, Dir. David Winstone, University of Westminster© All rights reserved. Image courtesy David Winstone
Were he to cast his eye over the schedule for Exposures 2012, Prime Minister David Cameron might feel somewhat disappointed. Nowhere does the student film festival offer to teach the next generation to be, as recently recommended, more commercial.
Instead, the Manchester event runs masterclasses in directing, screenwriting, editing, cinematography and soundtracks. And it may be that these skills are taught as ends in themselves, with little reference to financial outcomes.
Guest speakers include cinematographer Erik Alexander Wilson, who would probably measure his success in BAFTA nominations rather than box office bucks, and Henry Swindell, New Writing Manager for BBC Writersroom North - hardly a get rich quick scheme.
However, there will be at least one slot which celebrates the honest and natural urge to beat your neighbour. Films have been selected from 300 entries from 70 universities for six competition screenings throughout the weekend.
We can only hope that this promotes profitability. If not, then organisers could at least put their prices up.
- For more details and tickets visit www.cornerhouse.org.
