A forest of talent at Sherwood showcase

With its cobbled streets and picturesque monuments Edinburgh might seem to be the budding filmmaker’s perfect playground, but it’s difficult to think of a post-Trainspotting blockbuster that has successfully utilized the city's cinematic potential. This being said, filming, acting and directing abound in the active indie community typified by ventures like Sherwood Films, a production company whose aim is to realize the potential of budding filmmakers across Scotland.

Tonight is the company’s second talent showcase, allowing directors, animators, actors and creative types to mingle, network and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The venue is the Speakeasy within The Voodoo Rooms; a luxurious, elegant room adorned with black curtains and antique mirrors. Films are projected overhead onto a large screen while the audience watches from candlelit tables arranged throughout the space; it is intimate, cosy and fits the arty atmosphere perfectly.

The first film to be shown is a thrilling oceanic adventure documentary about the 'Guga Hunters of Ness.' These ten brave birdcatchers battle the elements and dangerous cliffs to catch gannets: the hunt is part of a long traditional of huge cultural significance to a remote village on the northern tip of Lewis. The film trailer—a project by Mike Day which was recently picked up by the BBC for a summer screening—is moving, honest and beautifully realized on 35mm film, and the director speaks of the ambitious shoot's trials and tribulations.

This impressive opening is followed by a slice of eye candy: a production documenting the backstage activities of models participating in a fashion show. Sharp, sassy and intimate, the film is enlivened by a neat electronic soundtrack and is a curious portrayal of the transformation of women in preparation for the glaring lights of the catwalk.

This is followed by three short films from the portfolio of David Lee. Since graduating Lee has worked with directors in Romania and Edinburgh; his work is varied but collectively stunning. From a flickering dash through cosmopolitan Kyoto, to a dusty rural music video for a Roman Gypsy crossover band, Lee talks of doing what he loves in the cultural hotspots of Europe. Filmmaker Jasmine’s handcrafted masterpiece of a song by the artist Plum is a surrealist cartoon realized in vibrant colours. The creator also speaks of her endeavours to make a stop motion PhD project; her painstaking efforts are a nice relief from the technological theme that dominates the showcase.

The night is rounded off by gentle acoustic outfit Elements, a polished act who deliver well-crafted, contemplative songs and dazzle with their warm humour and impeccable vocal harmonies. Thanks to interest from the makers of popular teen drama One Tree Hill, the band might be on the precipice of success; it could hardly happen to a nicer bunch. Tonight's Sherwood showcase is only the second of its kind, and judging by attendance and the quality of entertainment it's lights, camera and plenty more action for this exciting company.