In the run up to Edinburgh International Film Festival, we’re going to be releasing a Bridging the Gap short from the 2011 SHIFT collection every Wednesday from today until June 10th. Keep checking this page for the new releases:
The Perfect Fit
Directed by: Tali Yankelevich
Produced by: Finlay Pretsell – SDI Productions Ltd & Paul Ryan – Teebster
Scottish Documentary Institute 2011
Ballet shoes might be worn by delicate girls, but they are crafted by burly men, whose hands tell a different story. A perfectionist shoemaker pounds his soul out making each pair, as he tries to ease the burden on the dancers’ feet.
Highlights:
Shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for ‘Documentary Short Subject’ Oscar® 2013.
ZagrebDox 2013
SXSW 2012 (Winner SXGlobal Shorts)
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2011 (in competition)
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Links: Tali Yankelevich
Under the Surface
Directed by: David R. Cairns
Producer: Noe Mendelle (SDI Productions)
The Sun dubs Dundee ‘suicide city’ after a string of young men take their own lives one summer. The sensationalist press asks what ‘mystery’ lies behind the deaths. In fact, the shocking truth is simply that the suicide risk is far higher in Scotland’s poorest areas. Young men are six times more likely to take their own lives than they are in better-off parts of the country. So, statistically, there’s nothing surprising about the deaths. Yet, somehow, the numbers don’t make headlines.
The parents of the victims say how they pity young people trying to find work and meaningful lives in a depressed, post-industrial city. “Dundee’s dead,” says the stepfather of one victim. But life goes on for those left behind. Shawn, who is 15, is determined not to follow his big brother Liam’s example. A dedicated boxer, he’s steered clear of the drugs that ruined Liam’s life. “Liam’s basically took the bullet for me,” Shawn explains, hoping to become a PE teacher. And now Liam’s mother has a new granddaughter to care for.
Highlights:
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Glasgow International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival 2011
Links: David R. Cairns, Blog by Producer Noe Mendelle
The Red Army
Directed & Produced by: Paul Ryan
As a battle rages in the highlands of Scotland, two unlikely allies unite to defeat an invading army.
Highlights:
Interfilm, Berlin 2012 (Winner – Audience Award for Best Documentary)
Open City Doc Fest London 2012
Galway Film Fleadh 2012
Guanajuato International Film Festival 2012
Indianapolis International Film Festival 2012
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Links: Paul Ryan, The Red Army
Night Shift
Directed by Ruth Reid
Produced by Flore Cosquer – SDI Productions Ltd
Scottish Documentary Institute 2011
A decade ago God gave Anne Wallace a mission in a dream: to save the souls of the working women of Glasgow. The unlikely vehicle was a purple double-decker bus, and ever since, Anne has been offering support through tea, soup and the words of the gospel, whether they are listened to or not.
‘Night Shift’ is a portrait of Anne and two of the women aboard the bus as they cope with the hardest of circumstances, finding in each other their own, unlikely, saviour.
I can Smell the Cordite
Director: Andy Taylor Smith
Producer: Nicola Clayton (Sodalite Films)
One bunker. Two men. Christmas Eve, 1944. Or was it 2011?
Highlights:
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Links: Andy Taylor Smith
Jimmy
Director: Martin Smith
Producer: Finlay Pretsell (SDI Productions)
Jimmy McIntosh, MBE, campaigns daily for disabled rights. Nothing can stop him, especially not his own Cerebral Palsy. A day in the life of Jimmy McIntosh, seen from his point of view.
Highlights:
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2011
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2011
Glasgow International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival 2011
Links: Martin Smith
