Filmmaker Gavin recognised with festival accolade

Filmmaker Gavin recognised with festival accolade

8 September 2021

FILMMAKER Gavin Irvine has done it again with his work being recognised at a major UK cinematic festival. 

The former Saintfield man has just won the Brighton Spirit Award at the Brighton Rocks Film Festival.

The award is given to a filmmaker whose work encapsulates the essence of not only the city but also the ethos of the film festival.

Gavin has become a regular winner at the festival, having won for his two comedy films, Daddy’s Note and 2.40 to London, in previous years. 

Like many other artists dealing with the pandemic without attending live events, he was delighted to mix with other like-minded people at the festival.

“The Brighton Rocks Film Festival was the first live event I’ve attended since the lockdown,” he explained.

“It was a wonderful feeling to be there and being able to network again with other filmmakers, and of course, to see their work. 

“In fact, there’s nothing better than seeing your hard earned creation projected up on a large scene in front of a full house — it’s a real buzz.”

While he is known for his comedies, his short experimental film, Smoking No Smoking, was a runner-up in its category. While it was a departure in style for Gavin, it was extremely well received by the audience. 

The film has also been officially selected for the London Rocks Film Festival — the sister festival to Brighton Rocks — which takes place next month.

Gavin, who now lives in Camden in London, said: “There were over 500 film entries to this year’s Brighton Rocks Film Festival festival, so to win The Brighton Spirit Award was pretty amazing.

Festival director James Rowlins said of the honour: “The Brighton Spirit Awards are a regular festival highlight – and this year was no exception. 

“The award is presented to filmmakers whose work embodies the City of Brighton’s out-there creative universe and our core ethos.

“Gavin Irvine, who has scored two successive comedy wins and a runner-up accolade this year for his film, Smoking No Smoking, was the jury’s stand-out candidate thanks to his exuberant direction, unique vision and highly original voice.”

Creativity is nothing new to Gavin who started out as an artist and musician.

Before becoming a filmmaker, he once shared the stage with the rock band Muse.

He was mentored by legendary film directors  Ken Russell (Tommy, The Devils, Women in Love) and Peter Greenaway (The Draughtsman’s Contract, The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & her Lover) at the International Film School in Cardiff.

He was also once described as “the sixth Python” in reference to the famous Monty Python team in relation to his comedy, Daddy’s Note.