MMU win at exposures
23 November 2010
Short film attracts judges’ votes
2010 graduate Matthew Wood has won Best Artists Film at the exposures film festival.
The talented 23-year-old director scooped the prize for his short film Umbrella Girl at the Best of the Fest Awards Ceremony, held at the Museum of Science & Industry.
The film was the final year project for Matthew’s Interactive Arts degree, for which he achieved First Class Honours.
Taking the audience on a journey
Shot around Wigan – Matthew’s home town – the stunning short film features a girl wandering the countryside with an umbrella that rains on the inside.
He explains: “I like the idea of taking a snapshot glimpse into someone else’s life and Umbrella Girl does just that. The viewer goes on a little journey with the main character and then the film stops, leaving you asking questions about who the person is and what they’re doing. It will mean something different to everyone.”
Film on the big screen
Matthew entered exposures on the suggestion of course leader Jon Biddulph.
Matthew comments: “I’ve always been interested in film and chose to study Interactive Arts because of the freedom it allows to explore the medium.
I went to the screening of my film at the Cornerhouse - a surreal experience! – and got some really positive feedback. I never expected to win, it was an honour just to be nominated, and it feels amazing.”
Attracting attention
Matthew is currently co-writing his next film and will be working on a UK Film Council-funded short film early nexy year.
Manchester School of Art alumni regularly see success at the annual film festival. Contemporary Film and Video graduate Nathan Rae was awarded Best of the North West by exposures last year and films from six Contemporary Film and Video and Illustration with Animation graduates were short-listed alongside Matthew this winter.
