My eccentric/nostalgic short film The Train to Funky Island made on a DSLR

The Train to Funky Island is my ‘against all odds’ film project, made between 2010 and 2013, and here are the reasons why you should watch it!

Reasons why you should watch The Train to Funky Island

It’s a unique story that’s a little bit crazy.
It’s strongly psychological in its themes – there are many hidden meanings.
It’s made in Stockport, Manchester and the North West – Support Local Filmmaking!
It’s produced by an independent writer-cinematographer – Support Non-Corporate Creativity!
It’s in an untrendy style with no rapid cuts, violence or bad language – Don’t go with the herd of today!
It’s a part of my portfolio. If you’ve seen my photos, read my books and articles, you should definitely watch this.
Many people who have seen it have enjoyed it – You might enjoy it too.
It’s free! But I will request that you donate to a charity. I’ll tell you which one.

The plot:

In a northern town, a 12 year old boy lives with his family but he is unhappy. He is withdrawn and finds it difficult to communicate with his parents. He hears a song on the radio that fires his imagination. The song inspires him to go on an epic journey. But is it fantasy or reality?

Interesting facts about the film:

It was made on a budget of about £300.
During the making of the film, I taught myself how to direct and edit movies.
There are many special effects: the boy getting on a train is not actually getting on a train!
The film was made to educate as well as entertain.
I’ve used it very successfully with students learning English as a Foreign Language.
I wrote and recorded the theme song ‘Funky Island’ and the flute melody.
The final sunset displays a very rare atmospheric phenomenon: green flash
The production stretched out for more than three years.

Reception:

Overall reception has been positive. Some like it, a few love it, one or two hate it.
It has been rejected by three film festivals so far.
Some say it is roughly made and badly edited. Others say it is beautifully made and superbly edited.
I showed it to my Italian students learning English, they clapped.
Many people say it is an appealing story and the acting is good.
One person said that the sound levels are uneven.
Psychology and psychiatry professionals have been very enthusuastic.
More about the reception in this blog post

Reactions to the film

Hi Aidan
I watched your film and really enjoyed it.. it’s bittersweet and beautifully filmed – such lovely quality, I noticed this especially in the scene with the boy’s hands against the piano keyboard. It reminded me how young people can often escape somewhere that feels safe when ‘real life’ feels too hard – and also of a therapeutic resource called the ‘Safe Place’ – an imaginary place which is consciously created in sensory detail, to help people who are experiencing trauma or intrusive thoughts/memories. My favourite scene was the train journey with the changing scenery through the window. I also really like the music – right up my street!

Heather Greenbank, Counsellor, Supervisor www.northernlightcounselling.co.uk

Please note:

The film can only be seen at private screenings or online by invitation – If you contact me now I will be able to invite you.
I am looking at new ways to make use of the film in different ways both in education and to raise money for charity.

You can view the complete film online by contacting me and requesting a viewing. If you run a film, video or photography club, I can come and give a private screening with introduction and Q&A. To contact, email info(at)aidan.co.uk or use the contact form below.

Thanks for your interest in my ‘against the odds’ short film The Train to Funky Island.

The video below features the theme song ‘Funky Island’ written by me, Aidan O’Rourke, sung by Michael Pal and Mary Ellis.