Graduate scoops film award

A documentary directed by Contemporary Film and Video graduate Nathan Rae, 29, has been voted the ‘Best of the North West’ by the BBC.

Nathan’s short film Lift was announced as the winner at this year’s Exposures Film Festival at the Cornerhouse in Manchester.

Told from the perspective of a hitchhiker, the ten-minute film focuses on the people who pick him up.

Own experiences provided inspiration

Shot over four days, Nathan began his journey in Knutsford, Cheshire, and drivers ranging from holidaymakers to lorry drivers and even a break down recovery man took him as far north as Carlisle.

Nathan said: “I used to do a lot of hitchhiking and you meet some really interesting people, many who really open up to you. For Lift I asked drivers for stories about other hitchhikers they’ve picked up and to share their own experiences and opinions of thumbing a ride.”

Funding for future projects

“I’ve always been interested in film and used to video weddings and make short films in my spare time, but it was whilst listening to critics on a film podcast that I thought ‘I can make a better film than that’ and decided to take the plunge.”

Nathan, who graduated from Manchester School of Art this summer, adds: “I used to work for a theatre company but, despite my background in story-telling and drama, I developed a passion for documentary film during my course. Lift was my final year project and I wanted to create a film that could help me carve a career after I left uni. An award like this is really encouraging, not just as reassurance that I am making good films but to secure future funding for projects.”

Nurturing creative talent

Joe Duffy, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Film & Video, said: “The award is fantastic news for both Nathan and the course. Screenwriter and University alumnus Paul Abbot gave an impassioned talk at the Festival about our regional film talent and the numerous award nominations for MMU students is testimony to that.”

Second Year Contemporary Film & Video student Daniel McPake and third year student Jim Morgan achieved nominations for their films Kokiri and I Wear His Shirt in the Live Action, Cinematography and Best of the North West categories.

A trailer for Lift, which was also nominated for Best Documentary, can be viewed alongside other films by Nathan at www.nathanrae.co.uk.