AV News 174 - November 2008
Geoffrey Round AV Festival
Jean-Pierre Simon AV-MFIAP
When Peter Coles contacted me in 2007 to become a member of the Geoffrey
Round Digital Festival jury, I felt very honoured by this request, but at the same
time slightly embarrassed, for I have some difficulties mastering the English
language. In spite of this apprehension, I accepted Peter's proposal,
expressing the wish to be escorted by my spouse, who has been sharing with
me over the past 30 years, a strong interest for AV expression.
We were warmly welcomed at Leeds-Bradford airport by Eddie Spence, who
was an excellent guide all through our stay and introduced us to the Leeds
Victorian style and other attracting sites of the region. We were lodged in a very
pleasant hotel just outside of Leeds, where we had the pleasure to meet our
Dutch polyglot friend Willem Van den Berg.
The festival took place ten miles away, in Bradford at The National Media
Museum, a large modern and functional building. Although the museum is quite
large, the size of the projection room that was booked for us was quite modest,
comparable to a classroom where the screen had replaced the blackboard.
This was however sufficient, as the audience was composed of the authors and
a few friends, i.e. approximately 50 persons. Though it was small, the audience
paid a lot of attention and was very receptive over the two days of projection.
To make the communication easier between Linda Gough, Keith Scott and
myself, members of the jury, the organisers had requested the presence of
Joyce Newton, French teacher in Brighouse, to make all the translations.
This initiative was very much appreciated by all of us, as it turned out
indispensable during the discussions. A big "thank you" to Joyce for her
efficiency, her availability and her kindness. In addition to this, and upon my
request, Peter had sent me at home the majority of the texts in English to
enable me to read them first for a better understanding.
The festival gathered 64 sequences, mainly from Britain (70%). Nineteen
sequences from various European countries completed the programme (Italy,
Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland and France). The organisation managed
by Peter Coles was excellent. The schedules were respected, meals served at
the Museum restaurant which reduced the transfers and no major problem
occurred during the presentation of digital sequences.
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