As a special & North West premiere we bring you the controversial micro feature documentary Diary of a Disgraced Soldier. Showing fresh from its premiere at the recent Cornish Film Festival this film is not to be missed and the directors will be present for a Q&A directly after the show.
DIARY OF A DISGRACED SOLDIER
Directors: Neil Cole, Chris Rowe, Richard Atkinson (completion 2009)
In 2004, British soldier Corporal Martin Webster filmed fellow British soldiers beating Iraqi youths during rioting in Al Amarah, Iraq. It was his commentary that people heard when the film was leaked to the British newspaper, News of the World. The shocking images and commentary caused outrage across the world. The soldiers were arrested, but no charges were ever brought against them. Martin Webster left the Army soon afterwards.
Diary of a Disgraced Soldier follows Martin from the day he leaves the Army as he tries to adapt to a post-military life haunted by that video. He embarks upon his own investigation into the events of Al Amarah, using a prolific creative energy to produce paintings, poetry and music – he also visits his old army mates to get their take on what happened in Iraq.
Along the way his video diaries chart his anger, shame, and depression as he comes to terms with his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and voices his new-found political awareness. His energies culminate with the ‘Voices of War’ concert and an art gallery exhibition, which he hopes will channel his energies positively and mark the start of a new beginning.
Diary of a Disgraced Soldier began as an investigation into one shameful moment, but as the story unravels, turns into a quest to see if Martin can ever leave Al Amarah behind.
“…the hands down winner of best film of the festival…not for the faint hearted…” Little White Lies - Independent Film Magazine
“… as a military mother, I feel the public needs to be exposed to stories about the insidious after-effects of war… I applaud the courage of the filmmakers to bring Martin’s story into focus and hope they will be rewarded with many more screening opportunities to come.” Donna Anton - Director, 2009 Cornwall Film Festival - Gool Fylm
LINKS
BBC South West News with video
BBC News report with video
BBC Entertainment report with video
About KinoFilm
Kinofilm is an evening of short films from practitioners around the North West.
Films have been selected for their quality of production and original ideas; films that push the boundaries of traditional film making. Films can be short fiction, animation, experimental or documentary. None are longer than 20 minutes and all have been made in the last 12 months.
The emphasis on the night is to encourage debate and feedback for films being made in the North and North West, and how our region’s filmmakers rate to those in other parts of the UK. Each event will also screen a UK and European Short film so that we can evaluate films in the context of European Short Film Production.
As our host for the Q & A’s, we welcome back local media commentator and legendary punk-rocker John Robb.
If you would like to reserve a seat for this event, or are interested in submitting a film please contact John Wojowski by emailing johnw@kinofilm.org.uk or check out www.kinofilm.org.uk for more information.
Future Kinofilm presents dates
| Wed 10th March, 7:30pm |
KinoFilm: KinoShortsKinoFilm & greenroom : £4, £3 concessions |
