Smoke & Stars (Lorna Brierly)
10min 47s – 3840×2160
Synopsis
An intimate depiction of the softer side of university nightlife, Smoke & Stars follows Marta, a recovering alcoholic, as she attends her first party since she started treatment. At her side during the evening is Alex, her playful yet gentle partner, and documenting the night’s revels is their friend Michelle, who films the party on her camcorder.
Artist Statement
Smoke & Stars relates to the theme of untold stories as people often forget the quieter side of university life, and it is sometimes hard to notice those struggling in the whirlwind of noise and pressures at university. The film follows Marta, a recovering alcoholic, and her emotions during a student party, which brings with it challenging memories. Nobody ever fully knows what someone else is going through at any one moment, and it is important we acknowledge that no struggle is insignificant and we all need those that we can trust and rely on to support us through tough times.
Fortunately, Marta has her partner, Alex, to support her through the party and all the way on her journey. The film expresses their caring, sensitive relationship and hopefully gives a voice and some hope to those in similar situations, who feel that sometimes they are not heard or are searching for courage during difficult moments. There are people who really care and will stand by our side in the quieter moments away from the busyness and often crazy nature of university life.
Lorna Brierly
Lorna, the director of Smoke & Stars, graduated from Lancaster University in July 2023. Whilst at university, she studied Linguistics with a minor in Film Studies and joined the filmmaking society, where she met many other aspiring filmmakers. She has written and directed multiple short films, some of which have been selected nationally and internationally at film festivals, and she has continued her love for filmmaking since leaving university, working in the Film and TV industry.
She directed Smoke & Stars near the end of her final year at Lancaster, collaborating with a fantastic crew all from different year groups and degree subjects. She can’t wait to develop her filmmaking career and looks forward to creating more impactful films that highlight untold stories in the future.