Two stars of Radio 4 serial The Archers will be vying to be grab first place in Keswick Film Festival’s short film competition.
Actor Angus Imrie, who plays Josh Archer, submitted Rambler Man, starring Timothy Bentinck, who plays his on-air dad David Archer, and Ewan Pollitt, to win an Osprey.
Behind the camera for the first time, Angus – who is the son of actor Celia Imrie – has directed a two-hander set on the Cumbrian fells.
Entries into the festival’s competition must have a Cumbrian connection and the 10 shortlisted entries range from a little over one minute long to 11 minutes, covering subjects from 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!
They will be screened at Theatre by the Lake on March 26.
Having made their selection, the judging panel spotted that one of the films was made by the Archers actor.
Judging panel member Carol Rennie said “It gets 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.”
While 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.
Although film festival organisers have asked Archers fans 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.”
Keswick Film Festival takes place from March 24 to March 27.
