The First Grader
I went to see The First Grader last night, and it reminded me of exactly why I started Stray Cinema. To let more people use film - which is such a powerful and influential medium - to tell their stories.
This beautifully shot film is set in a small Kenyan village. While the story is told in a rather traditional way, the content is unique to anything I have ever seen on film.
It gives insights to war, culture, and some unique relationships in Kenya, though the later seems to be an embellishment. But you know what, I'm ok with that, if it means the film appeals to, and is seen by a wider audience.
I was very moved by this film, stories like this are rare and important. While this is not a true independent film, with the increasing accessibility of digital film, more people, different people, are getting the opportunity to tell their stories. And the internet provides an accessible platform for these stories to be seen and heard. We live in exciting times.
Planet Unearth - Interview soon
By michelle, 2 months, 4 weeks ago - No Comments
A week ago a kind man named Sean Pary approached us about doing an interview on an upcoming TV show called Planet UnEarth. We will keep you updated as to when you can watch it on Foxtel.
Planet UnEarth wants to allow independent (and local) artists of all kinds have a voice, and tell their stories. It's a pretty good fit with what we are doing at Stray Cinema to.
So if you are an artist of any kind, and want some exposure, then get in touch with them.
8 edits and counting...!
By michelle, 3 months, 1 week ago - No Comments
Well, as of today 8 edits of the footage have been uploaded to our website.
They are all pretty unique, we even have a horror. I'm wondering what other genre's and stories will come out of this years footage.
Please take a moment to watch, comment and vote on your favourite films!
Getting the footage to filmmakers
By michelle, 3 months, 2 weeks ago - No Comments
What is the best way to spread the word, and get this footage to filmmakers? And other creatives? Any ideas welcome.
I have spent the last few days sending out emails and press releases to various publications and blogs. Encore magazine were kind enough to publish a story on Friday, which lead to a potential TV interview from a Foxtel channel watched by approximately 1 million people (will share more when I can). Very excited about this though.
I am also trying to work out how to use Facebook in a promotional way. Back in the days of Myspace it was easy to reach out and find like-minders, Facebook seems to be all about waiting for people to come to you. Perhaps a 'like' button on the site might help?
Anyway, any ideas or suggestions as to how to reach the right people with our idea are greatly welcome.
Press and general stray excitement
By michelle, 3 months, 2 weeks ago - No Comments
I have just spent the last couple of days sending out the press release. It's been a while since I have done that. To be completely honest, I wasn't sure if we were going to continue with Stray until this years round of footage became available.
I am really excited about the quality of this year's footage, our aim is to improve it year on year. I feel we have really done that, with this round being shot by industry professionals, and a feature film.
I can't wait to see where it all leads.
By michelle, 2 months, 2 weeks ago - No Comments