The Astronomer's Sun in the spotlight at Edinburgh International Film Festival

14/06/2010

A stunning animated short film made in a potting shed in Ilkley continues its successful tour of the worldwide film festival circuit this week when it screens in the official selection at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which runs 16 – 27 June.

The Astronomer’s Sun, selected from hundreds of entries for the prestigious festival, was produced on the 4mations strand of the Digital Shorts scheme run by Screen Yorkshire in partnership with Channel 4 and The UK Film Council.

The Astronomer’s Sun tells the story of a young man, accompanied by a mysterious mechanical bear, who visits an abandoned observatory to confront memories of his past and follow his father on a journey into the unknown. A magical journey about relationships and what it is to be human, The Astronomer's Sun was animated frame by frame with stop motion puppets, the same technique used in Fantastic Mr Fox, Coraline and Wallace and Gromit.

The team behind The Astronomer’s Sun has enjoyed considerable success since the film had its premiere as part of the British Animation Awards tour in February this year, but the selection for EIFF is particularly poignant for writer / directors Simon Cartwright (from Ilkley) and Jessica Cope (from Knaresborough) – who both graduated at the Edinburgh College of Art in 2008.

Other key crew behind the film from across the region include producers David Bunting & Peter M Kershaw at Duchy Parade Films in Harrogate; Emmy Award Winning Sound designer Dave Aston; Adam Kirk, who edited the film from his post-production facility in Selby and Peter Wright from up and coming Leeds Band Vessels, who composed and performed the music.

The Astronomer’s Sun received a special commendation at the British Animation Awards in April 2010, where it was nominated for Best Short Film in the Public Choice category. Subsequent selections include; The Seattle International Film Festival (USA), The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival  - where it has its Canadian premiere this month and the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival which takes place in London in July.

Tony Dixon, Emerging Talent Manager, Screen Yorkshire says:

‘’From the idea's inception to when it was delivered, I was always very excited by this project and it has far exceeded my expectations.  A very strong talented creative team have come up with a visually stunning film, which has worldwide audience appeal.  I am not surprised by the success the film has had to date.  I am sure it will go on to become one of Screen Yorkshire's most successful films and would personally like to congratulate the whole team.  Their hard work has paid off and once again regional talent is gaining the recognition it deserves.’’

Producer David Bunting says:

’’It is gratifying to see The Astronomer’s Sun gaining an audience at some of the world’s major international film festivals. Duchy Parade Films became involved early on, providing the two young directors with access to a professional editing team, including Emmy award-winning sound designer Dave Aston. 4mations Digital Shorts was a fantastic scheme and the continued financial support from Screen Yorkshire, Channel 4 and the UK Film Council is crucial for the future of small, independent filmmakers in the UK.  One of our directors Jessica Cope has now taken a job at McKinnon and Saunders as a direct result of directing The Astronomers Sun.’’

The Astronomer’s Sun plays at EIFF in the McLaren Animation Programme, which showcases the best of British animation talent, on the following dates:
Thursday 17 June 15:00 Filmhouse 3  - (McLaren Animation 1)
Saturday 19 June 11:45 Filmhouse 3  - (McLaren Animation 1)

Following the screening, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film, which will go on to win the McLaren Animation Award for the Best New British Animation. For full programme details:
http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/whats-on/2010/mclaren-animation-1

The Astronomer’s Sun is currently exhibited in the National Media Museum’s Animation Gallery in Bradford, where it sits alongside models from Ray Harryhausen and Barry Purves.

"This exquisitely crafted and sensitive film manages to raise some profound and surprisingly emotional ideas, all in a few oblique, beautiful and economic minutes. Animation at its' mysterious and haunting best." Barry J C Purves, Animation Director

Find out more and watch the trailer at: www.astronomerssun.com