A short film shot in Bristol could be up for an Oscar after being named the top worldwide film by judges at a prestigious festival.
Old Windows, featuring EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey actor Larry Lamb, scooped the Best Fiction Film accolade at the 39th Tehran International Short Film Festival, which is a qualifying event for the Oscars.
In the 18-minute film directed by Paul Holbrook, Lamb plays a curious visitor to a cafe run by Laura Bayston. The award is huge as the festival received more than 5,000 films from 131 countries, and was one of just 64 to be chosen to be screened at the event – and was then named as the winner, reports the Bristol Post.
Set in the 1990s it tells the story of a struggling cafe owner, played by Bayston, whose mundane life is upended when a mysterious gentleman – played by Lamb – comes in for tea and cake. It was filmed at Mary’s Cafe near Netham Lock in the heart of the city of Bristol.
It’s the second time Old Windows has picked up international accolades – back in July it was one of just a handful from around the world to be screened at the Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival, which is also a qualifier for the Oscars. Back then, director Holbrook said while the screening doesn’t mean he’s flying over to Hollywood, it is great to know big audiences would be seeing the film.
“It’s really validating to see the film gain traction at such a prestigious festival, and to know big audiences are going to see it,” he said. “The film was made for very little money, but with lots of love.
“Larry and Laura’s performances have been really engaging audiences everywhere it has been screened. It’s hugely satisfying to be part of something that seems to talk to people on such an emotional level.”
Last year, Holbrook’s short film Shiney – in which he cast two unknown children in the lead roles of a story about two kids trying to buy their first packet of cigarettes on a South Bristol estate – saw major national film festival awards for the young stars Katie Francis and Caleb Stevens. And his horror drama Hungry Joe, featuring the harrowing story of a mum struggling to cope with a boy with a never-ending appetite, won awards at film festivals around the world.
Back in Britain, Old Windows is also causing a stir. The film, has been named as a finalist in seven different categories at December’s British Short Film Awards.
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