By François Leblanc – Contributor

For the first time in its history, the 48-hour Film Festival has come to the Bishop’s University community. Originating from Montreal, the event has participants write, shoot, act, and produce a film in 48 hours. The festival was held with the assistance of drama Professor Mary Harvey. Props and costumes not only came from the artists but also from the wardrobe of the drama department. This festival has allowed many students to demonstrate their talents to themselves and others. 

A small team of eight artists made a short genre film. The result was a silent movie inspired by Hitchcock’s production style and the gothic literature of H.P. Lovecraft. All with an orchestra of sounds composed of Saturn’s magnetic waves, captured by NASA and edited for the film’s length. 

In their film, a couple tricks and traps a nanny in their basement to awaken their “children”. She evolves into the role of a hunter hunting the prey and escapes this hellish episode of her life. This project was a Halloween special for the season and a tribute to the German expressionist era of the 1920s. 

Despite its six-hour production, artists learned a lot during the experience. Improvisation is not just advantageous in live-stage play. It is also a tool that brings new ideas on set and adds life to the original storyline. The reflection of lights and lightning added a lot to the imagery of the motion picture. The actresses brought forth better ways to communicate character dialogue, without saying a single word. The gritty tone needed to have a good balance with the goofiness of the narrative for the audience to be receptive to the absurd humour. What mattered most was how to use the surrounding environment, not just the tools themselves. We underestimated how excellent chocolate syrup was for fake blood. The entire production of the second act smelled delicious!

At the end of the day, the 48-hour Film Festival was a challenge. It was ultimately achieved, however, through vision, discipline and good organization. This first-time event at Bishop’s was an achievement for both parties, notably the professors and the students. It was an excellent tool that many used as a platform to train for their professional careers. Students anticipate the next festival here at Bishop’s, open to anyone within our student community.