Changing Paths
A collection of films made by National Film and Television School students who veered away from their chosen course and explored a different creative path during their time here.
Shadow Play - a still from the film, 3 of 5 (1980) by Oliver StapletonNational Film and Television School
NFTS students begin a course here knowing they specifically want to excel in that field, be it Directing Fiction, Cinematography, Screenwriting or any of the many other course we run. However, occasionally students branch out.
Born in a Babylon (2000)
Nicholas Chaudeurge joined the NFTS as an editing student and since graduating continues to work as an editor on film such as Wuthering Heights, Still Alice and Calm With Horses. However, when he was at the NFTS he directed this documentary about the Rastafarian community in London.
China’s Wild West (2008)
A study of the sisyphean efforts of a rural Muslim community digging for Jade in the harsh conditions of a river bed in the remote oasis town of Hotan, Western China. This documentary was directed by Urszula Pontikos who studied Cinematography at the NFTS and went on to shoot Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool, Humans, Glue to name a few.
Kin (2008)
Frank enjoys a game of pool, a pint and time with his care worker, Sally. His independence is jeopardised when a call from his estranged sister forces him to return home to face his past. Brian Welsh joined the NFTS as an editor but while there directed this feature film. After graduating Brian continued to direct; films such as In our Name and Beats.
Small Deaths (1996)
Lynne Ramsay is widely known for her directing, films such as You Were Never Really Here, We Need to Talk About Kevin and Ratcatcher. She was at the NFTS as a cinematographer but directed Small Deaths while there. Small Deaths is a triptych of moments of reflection and loss in one girl's childhood and adolescence.
Shadow Play (1980)
Oliver Stapleton joined the NFTS intending to direct but his application material was so visually strong he was immediately asked by a fellow student to shoot her graduation film. He went on, as a cinematographer, to shoot films such as State and Main, The Cider House Rules, Kansas City, The Grifters, Prick Up Your Ears, My Beautiful Laundrette and many many more. He directed this ambitious voyeur spy drama Shadow Play, while at the NFTS.
Shadow Play - a still from the film, 4 of 5 (1980) by Oliver StapletonNational Film and Television School
