Buzz Cinema 2024

Now a firmly embedded part of the Leighton Buzzard creative calendar, in 2024 the festival got a rebrand as Buzz Cinema and some stunning new graphics.

People from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire came to celebrate independent filmmakers, learn new skills, make new connections and generally have a good time in ten days of screenings, workshops and even a 48-hour filmmaking challenges, laid on with support of sponsors Austin & Carnley Solicitors.

The 10-day event started in the library theatre with a collection of 7 short films by students, local people and independent filmmaker from the wider area. A Q&A session with the filmmakers gave insight into them and their creative processes. 

The following day, a 1pm screening at Ollie Vees Tiki Lounge had an experimental theme, with 6 films exploring relationships and boundaries in unique and innovative ways.

Those who were feeling creative were able to try their hand at moodboarding thanks to an inspiring talk and workshop on Set Design by art director and production designer Isabel Pirillo who gave an insight into what her job entails. This was a must for anyone who makes their own films, or just wanted to know more about how to bring a production to life. 

On Sunday, festival goers were treated to the special preview of Signs of Life at the library theatre, a full-length feature film made by first-time writer/director Joseph Millson and starring Sarah-Jane Potts and David Ganly. Described as a ‘heart-stopping drama’, it was a touching and vivid tale of a chance encounter and the ensuing series of surprising events. The same day, the Networking event at Canal Street Coffee helped bring creative professionals together to swap details, and some even linked up for the 48-hour competition later in the week.

On Monday, the Crooked Crow bar hosted our Wicked Visions screening, comprising 7 films from the mystical, fantasy or horror genres. Think special effects, spookiness and a ton of creativity! This was definitely an event to get the pulses racing, with so many thrilling stories to enjoy.

Aspiring scriptwriters were able to see their work brought to life on October 8th at Canal Street Coffee. About 5-10 pages of each script were read out by talented actors, before industry professionals and audience members gave their feedback, with the aim of helping writers refine their storytelling.

Wednesday had our third workshop, this time on Podcasting & Storytelling, held at The Refill. Seasoned podcaster Laura from Leighton Buzzard Local offered unmissable tips on everything from audio to lighting to interview questions in a lively evening of Q&A. There was also a creative session for the LGBTQIA+ community called Pride Outside the City, an engaging round table session that was ideal for anyone looking to expand their network.

On Thursday, our Heart & Humour screening showcased 8 films that brought a smile to the lips and a warm glow to the belly, all made by indie filmmakers across the region and featuring some extraordinary editing and ingenuity.

This feel good night was followed by the launch of our 48-hour film challenge the next day. Filmmakers had three prompts to include:

Prop: a rubber boot

Location: a hole in the wall 

Prompt: ‘The first thing you can do to fight’

This event has really grown in popularity and this time there were 10 teams trying to win the coveted wooden trophies by Anthony Smith, all showcasing fantastic creativity, humour, inventiveness and team spirit! It was standing room only in the Crooked Crow Bar to hear the results of the competition on October 13th. 

We were thrilled to also award festival founder Lobke can Eijk with her own trophy, as her work truly inspires us all. Although the festival will take a break in 2025, there are plenty smaller events to look forward to throughout the year.

See you then!