Now in its fourth year, the HB Film Fest has become a regular fixture in the Paisley events calendar.
The independent film extravaganza is taking place this weekend and celebrates all the work of filmmakers who have the talent, but not necessarily the budget, to match mainstream practitioners.
It is the brainchild of Gary Hewitt, a former University of the West of Scotland film student and owner of broadcasting and media production company, Hewitt & Bryce.
The festival will see the work of local and international filmmakers screened across three days at the Wynd Centre in Paisley – beginning tonight at 6pm.
Gary, 33, says the purpose of the film festival is to shine a light on the work of those going unnoticed at other events due to budget constraints.
He explained: “There isn't a lot of funding for films, especially short films in Scotland, and I guess the UK as a whole.
"So, a lot of independent filmmakers make films off their own bat with their own money, or very little money, and when they submit to film festivals, they might be up for some award against a film that's maybe got a few grand behind it.
"I thought that wasn't very fair. So, that's when I came up with the idea of running a film festival that supports independent filmmakers, who are quite often unfunded.
“We'll try and support these filmmakers through other means such as screening their work and with awards and recognition.”
A former Paisley Grammar pupil, Gary grew up in the town and says it makes for a great location for hosting a film festival.
He insists the cultural attraction of Paisley is growing and he’s glad to be a part of it.
“It’s got the Paisley Art Centre and it's got the Spree," he added. "Paisley is developing this almost slight festival vibe starting I think, [and] we can become part of that.”
As well as screening more than 70 short films, including genres from comedy and animation to sci-fi and horror, the HB Film Festival will also be hosting an acting class on the Sunday morning. In the evening, there will also be an awards ceremony celebrating the best short films shown over the weekend.
Gary was keen to stress that, although the festival exists to support filmmakers, it’s also an event where the general public can enjoy themselves.
He said: "It’s for everyone. The films are all engaging and entertaining and everybody loves an awards ceremony. There’ll be quite a buzz about the place.”
To entice Buddies in, Gary’s offering 30 per cent off ticket prices for Paisley Daily Express and Renfrewshire Live readers, who can use the code HBNET30 on the Eventbrite Page for the event here: https://bit.ly/3fQ0zgw
For more information about the HB Film Festival and for full details of the programme, go to www.hbfilmfestival.com/projects-3
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