'In 2010 there was a 40 minute film made by young men based on their dissatisfaction for China in the 1980s called Old Boys. It got 80 million views,' says Philip Dodd, chairman of Made in China, a cultural agency that works between China and Europe. He's talking on the Today programme about the craze for microfilms that has been sweeping China since 2010.
Typically made on low budgets and produced within 3–5 days, microfilms encompass everything from storytelling to music videos to adverts to documentary, and can range anywhere from 90 seconds to 40 minutes in length. Eschewing the traditional box office distribution channel, they reach their audience online and by word of mouth.
'We want to explore [microfilms] as a conversation. Looking at what micro films are and how we engage and bring them to the UK,' says Faith Blackmore, director of Nottingham's first International Microfilm Festival, which launches on 15 October.
Hoping to raise the profile of microfilms and showcase their application outside of China, where around 40 million people search for videos on the internet on a daily basis, the festival's organisers believe the sector provides a low-cost, high-value springboard for filmmakers and businesses alike. 'Micro films are about using creative expression and acting, which connects to business, connecting to public consumption,' says Blackmore. 'Technology is developing and so should our films.'
Dodd, who believes that microfilms on mobile phones are the future, adds, 'The point is that these films are made to watch whenever, wherever. They are entertaining young China.'
Running in venues across Nottingham, the programme of events includes category screenings, master classes, talks and panel discussions from leading industry professionals, and a production market event designed to support, promote and encourage an understanding of and access to the screen industries.
Popular in China, microfilms are typically made on low budgets and produced within 3–5 days. They encompass everything from storytelling to music videos to adverts and documentary, and can range from 90 seconds to 40 minutes in length. Pictured: Partial Silence, by Michael Jobling
Hoping to raise the profile of microfilms and showcase their application outside of China, where around 40 million people search for videos on the internet on a daily basis, the festival's organisers believe the sector provides a low-cost but high value springboard for filmmakers and businesses alike. Pictured: Para Sempre, by Alterea Films
Running in venues across Nottingham, the programme of events includes category screenings, master classes, talks and panel discussions, and a production market event. Pictured: L'AMOUR, 1.10’00”, by Camille van Wessem
INFORMATION
Nottingham International Microfilm Festival runs from 15–20 October
-
Fenix and Federica Sala Challenge Designers to double upCurator Federica Sala and innovative interiors material brand Fenix's Design Duo Double Feature project brings three design duos together to create dual-purpose furniture
-
Interni Venosta is a new furniture brand by the Dimorestudio foundersLaunched at Milan Design Week 2024, Interni Venosta is Dimorestudio Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci's new brand, crafted by Tuscan manufacturer Fabbri Services and paying homage to 1970s Italian design
-
Gucci’s ‘Design Ancora’ reimagines furniture classics in rich redGucci launches new editions of Italian design icons in an alluring deep red, showcased during Milan Design Week 2024
-
Back to Black: all eyes on film-maker Sam Taylor-JohnsonBack to Black cinematographer Polly Morgan tells Wallpaper* how a shared love of French New Wave close-ups brought Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Amy Winehouse biopic to life
-
Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Black cinema‘Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971’ at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) brings lost or forgotten films, filmmakers and performers to a contemporary audience
-
From Wall Street to Studio 54: a short film celebrates Larry FinkCelebrating Larry Fink, Fellowship presents ‘Fink’, a short film diving into the pioneering photographer’s creative mind
-
How Oscar-nominated ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ made a star of the most ear-popping song of the yearWallpaper* meets ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ favourites Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, whose cover of 50 Cent's ‘P.I.M.P’ muscles its way into the Oscar-nominated courtroom drama
-
Dune: Part Two – Hans Zimmer designs the sound of sandComposer of the Dune: Part Two score, Hans Zimmer tells Wallpaper* about his ‘industrial, mechanical, brutal’ sonic journey
-
How Vanya’s set design went from stage to NT Live screenAs Vanya, starring Andrew Scott, hits the big screen with NT Live, set designer Rosanna Vize describes retaining the intimacy of London’s Duke of York's show
-
‘Fungi: Web of Life’ film sees Björk and Merlin Sheldrake explore a magical worldBjörk and microbiologist Merlin Sheldrake unite for ‘Fungi: Web of Life’, a 3D film in which the beauty and ecological importance of fungi unfurls
-
Heads up for London Film Festival 2023’s immersive art programmeFrom VR fungi to AR walks, London Film Festival 2023 announces LFF Expanded, a compelling programme of immersive art and extended realities
