MOVIEMAKERS from across the country gathered at a Colwyn Bay cinema last weekend for a new festival celebrating short film.

The first Gogs International Short Film Festival took place on Saturday, November 26 at Colwyn Bay’s Theatr Colwyn, the oldest working cinema in the UK.

The winners were revealed by special guests who attended in person or sent video messages.

Messages were shown on the big screen from film director Wim Wenders (“Wings of Desire”), actor Jo Hartley (“This is England”/“In My Skin”) and Gruff Rhys, front man of Welsh band “Super Furry Animals”.

The seven winners were:

• Best Welsh Made Short: ‘Bald’ - Directed by Luke Bather

• Best UK Made Short: ‘The Forfeit’ - Directed by Josie Charles and Phoebe Brooks

• Best Student Short: ‘Subs’ - Directed by Joe Warner

• Best Welsh Language Short: ‘Pwysau’ – Directed by Aled Victor Williams

• Best Animated Short: ‘Chosen Family’ – Directed by Noah Greenhalgh

• Best Unrestricted Short: ‘Buckra Massa Pickney – Life of Enrico Stennett Windrush Elder’ – Directed by Lal Davies

• Best International Short: ‘Giti Jan’ – by Shayan Shahverdi (Iran)

The festival was hosted by Celyn Jones, BAFTA-winning actor, screenwriter and director.

Celyn is patron of Theatr Colwyn and creative director of festival partner, Mad As Birds Films.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We are thrilled with how well the festival was received.

“Not only was it welcomed by the short film community, but it was also welcomed by audience members who took a chance on new work and came along to see something different.

“There was a real celebratory atmosphere on the night and we would like to send our thanks to everyone who travelled to be with us, all of the presenters who were able to join us in person or sent video messages and all of our sponsors and supporters who made the festival possible.”