Pictures Of Our Past - Short LGBTQ Film

Welcome Everyone!

Parakeet Media is currently in the early development and fundraising stages for a new upcoming short LGBTQ+ film set in the 1970s.

Our film 'Pictures Of Our Past' starts in the present with a now older Jane and Catherine as they reconnect after decades of being apart, the pair are transported back in time to the year 1979, where we explore their younger selves in the queer punk scene in Brighton and follow Jane and Catherine as they navigate a pivotal moment in their relationship. Jane is a romanticist she is confident and purposeful whilst Catherine remains reserved, timid and fearful of the unknown, but Catherine had a decision to make, did she stay in Brighton and accept her offer of University or did she follow Jane, her muse up to London where it all seemed to be happening?

What we are looking for?

With the help of your donations, we would use the money to help cover the costs of:

and all the other things that make filmmaking so expensive.

As a core team, Director (Anna Cottrill) and Cinematographer (Jakob Schröcksnadel) we have worked together on a multitude of previous projects in these roles and over time have built a trusting supportive and collaborative environment that allows for the filmmaking process to flourish. We do not doubt our ability to pull this film off and know that we have the skills determination and vision to pull this film together. The story and style is an elevation and step forward from our previous work.

DIRECTORS STATEMENT

As a director, the story explores that first real relationship lingering as a faint yet pivotal part of your life. It mirrors my experiences with my first girlfriend - a longing to stay in the bubble of youth and our hometown, but as we entered into our adult lives, and I moved to London on my own, we naturally grew apart. It is a story about closure, something I think to be universally relatable, we would all want more closure on how those first loves ended. An opportunity to reassure our younger selves it is natural to grow, even if that is to grow apart. As a director, something that motivated me to get into film was my want to see the representation of LGBT+ stories with a focus on authentic emotions and people. Pictures Of Our Past tells a queer love story, but as the director, a queer love story is my lived experience, not a trope. So through my eyes Pictures of our Past is just a love story, a love story I would want to watch.

MEET THE TEAM

DIRECTOR & STORY BY Anna Cottrill

Anna is a promising director and editor originally from Kent, UK, In 2019 Anna moved to London to study a BA in Practical Filmmaking at MetFilm School, graduating in 2022 with first-class honours. Anna has been commended by many for her unique and quirky ideas, with a special interest in exploring people's perspectives and stories through the medium of film and animation.

Complimenting her creativity is her passion and drive for delivering educational and informative award-winning documentaries. Anna's latest animated short 'Teach Me' explores the topic of SEN in school through the children's own voices.

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CINEMATOGRAPHER Jakob Scröcksnadel

Jakob is a skilled Austrian-born cinematographer who prior to moving to London worked in the marketing department of a global media technology company. In 2018 Jakob relocated to the UK to start his career in the camera department. Jakob graduated in 2022 with first-class honours in Practical Filmmaking from the MetFilm School. During his studies, Jakob has developed prolific skills working with Arri Alexa, Sony, Red, Black Magic and Canon cameras.

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Jakob notes "Ever since I can remember films comforted me. They provide an atmosphere in which I can relax and put my problems on hold. As a Cinematographer, I can bring stories to life for people to enjoy in their own special way. Creating the best visuals for all the unique stories out there is my passion."

FEATURING ORIGINAL MUSIC BY

SHEFU

Shefu is a five-piece alternative rock band formed in Liverpool, UK. Inspired by the likes of The Hives, Pom Poko, Sorry, Pixies and The White Stripes, Shefu achieve a crunchy, punchy retro sound with heavy distorted guitars and witty, relatable lyrics. Often focussing on sexuality and gender, the catchy grunge tracks are representative of the band themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The members represent the bisexual, non-binary and transgender community. Shefu are currently at large on Tiktok, with viral videos and ever-increasing interest from the young LGBTQ+ community and the modern alternative scene.