The Sixth Form College Farnborough

 

A new film made by former student Helen (Len) Rowles received its world premiere at the Curzon Cinema in Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, last night. Len who graduated with BA Honours in English and Film from King’s College London in the summer, made the film as an independent project alongside her degree studies.

 

A packed Screen 3 audience burst into spontaneous applause as the credits ended. The fast-moving film, wistful, moving and exhilarating, followed the course of Imogen’s (played by Natasha Freeman) engaging relationships with fellow student Joel (played by Phillip Maden) and fellow rooftopsmith Marcus (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen who has since appeared in BBC’s Lark Rise to Candleford). 

 

Brilliantly shot amongst the rooftops of London, Len wrote, directed, produced and edited the 35 minute film. Amidst a range of memorable scenes were stunning cinematographic evening shots against a sunset reflected from high rise windows  and a wonderfully engaging cycle ride along the South Bank, filmed by Frank Madone on roller skates (there were no funds for a dolly!) to music provided by the band Arthur (lead singer Hannah Clark, a former Farnborough Sixth Form College student). Other music in the film was written and arranged by Tom Stevens (now teaching music technology at the College) and sound recording was managed by Elaine Barnett, again a former student who has recently graduated from The London College of Communications.

 

College Principal, Dr John Guy, who attended the premiere said, "This was a masterful low-cost production by a young film-maker of whom we will certainly hear more - and it was a privilege to have been invited."