Award-winning University Grad screens first film in Northampton

A University of Northampton graduate who lives in the town will screen his first feature film, Malady, at the Errol Flynn Filmhouse in Northampton next week.

Just eight years after graduation, graduate Jack James’ film will be shown to University of Northampton film students, at a Cult Film Club screening on Wednesday 25 May.

After studying the Fine Art BA (Hons) degree at the University of Northampton, Jack co-created production company, Realist Productions, which produced the award winning film Malady. Jack has screened the film at festivals across the world, including a World Premiere at the 25th Anniversary Cinequest Film Festival in California and has been has been nominated for six film awards to date, winning awards for ‘First Time Filmmaker’ at the Mexico International Film Festival 2015 and Best Director at the Fantastic Film awards.

His latest film, Malady, explores the boundaries of love, when built from grief and challenged by shame and secrets.

Speaking ahead of the screening, Jack said: “”I’m incredibly excited to get the chance to share my film with the University of Northampton students and the people of Northampton. Since graduating, I felt it was important to keep a close relationship with the University, and thankfully this has led onto me having the opportunity to share my industry knowledge and experiences with the students of Northampton. The film industry is a notoriously daunting one, so it feels important to be able to share and discuss my experiences with students as they go forward in their careers”

David Simmons, Senior Lecturer in English & Screen Studies said: “Throughout the course, our students meet and network with as many industry experts; through live projects, guest lectures and work experience opportunities. We’re delighted that Jack will be a part of the Cult Film Club, and we can celebrate his success since graduating.”

The showing is part of a partnership between the University of Northampton’s School of The Arts and the Errol Flynn Filmhouse – the monthly Cult Film Club.  The cult film club features screenings of ‘cultish’ films, preceded by exciting, short introductions that explore films in their artistic and socio-historical contexts. The Club, which is open to everyone, gives students the opportunity to learn about curation while enjoying classic movies.

Films chosen for the Cult Film Club include those that challenge mainstream conceptions of cinema; transgress common notions of good and bad taste, subvert genre conventions, and those with a lively following amongst viewers.

To book tickets to Malady, visit the Errol Flynn Filmhouse website.