'Quiet Days' is our latest Film of the Month

We are very happy to share that Quiet Days, made by Eliza, aged 16, from Manchester, has won our latest Film of the Month competition. This stirring ode to life is gentle in its delivery, but serves as a strong appeal to find gratitude for each and every day. Our Special Mention this month goes to Death in the Mullans made by Cara from Dungiven, Derry. We caught up with Eliza about winning Film of the Month and the filmmaking process below. 

How does it feel to win Film of the Month?

Winning Film of the Month feels fantastic, I am very surprised and pleased to be a winner, and I'm very proud of the small team of people who helped me on the project.

What/who are your filmmaking inspirations?

I am very inspired by Denis Villneuve's work because each one of his films are both interesting and have an epic feeling in scale. I think his work stands out in Hollywood because of its trueness to narrative, and it doesn't have to feel finished, simply immersive and real.

What were the challenges in making this film, and how did you overcome them?

One of the main challenges was that I had recently received a new camera, so I was still trying to figure out the best way to use it. My grandmother also starred in the film, so I had to figure out a way we were both comfortable with how I directed the movie.

What was your filmmaking process? How did you go about creating this film?

Whenever I make a movie, I always make sure it has a storyline that doesn't have to be perfect but contributes a certain emotion that makes the film interesting. I think emotion is the most powerful feeling when coming to a story, more than the cinematography or even the writing.

What did you enjoy most about making the film?

I enjoyed making this film because I did it with people close to me, and they also supported my work, which I was very grateful for.

What would you do differently next time?

I think as I move forward with making movies, I will try to work on projects bigger in scale, more meaningful, and try my best to make it compelling, not necessarily for an audience first, but to impress myself before anyone else.

What message would you like audiences to take from watching this film?

I think we must remember that time doesn't last as long as we believe it does, and every day we have in this world is meaningful, so make the most of it, because eventually it will all go, so be thankful for your past, and look forward to the future.

What are you working on next?

I just finished a short film that I wrote and directed with a team at school which will shortly be premiered and submitted to a national film competition. After that I'm planning to continue film at A level and then move forward with my filmmaking ambitions.

Special Mention - Death in the Mullans

Every month, we select another film we feel deserves to be celebrated alongside the winner. This month, we are very excited to give our Special Mention to Death in the Mullans, a very fun and mischievous film made by Cara, from Dungiven, Derry.

Cara and her family decide to sit down and play a game... but it ends in disaster.