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The award-winning ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD Channel is to première a selection of film shorts, including the Oscar-nominated Wish 143 and the Bafta-nominated Turning, both films were developed and funded by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Network.

The 13 short films feature a mix of new and established talent including Alfie Allen who stars in Cherries; and Russell Tovey (Being Human) and Sean Pertwee who star in In Passing.

The films will screen across two evenings on Saturday 12 February and Saturday 19 February, 12.00midnight (time subject to change).

All the shorts are available on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Film Network, the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's online showcase for new British film-making. Wish 143 and Turning were also developed and funded by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Film Network as part of its scheme to fund productions from new and upcoming filmmakers.

Danielle Nagler, Head of HD and 3D says: "These impressive short films, written and directed by new British talent, demonstrate just how exciting a medium HD is for budding film-makers, and show the current creativity of UK film-making. I'm thrilled to be able to host the TV première of these 14 new shorts on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD Channel and help to share these films with a wider audience."

Gerard O'Malley, Executive Producer, Drama Multiplatform, says: "It's gratifying that these films are going to be shown in their full glory on HD and that ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Film Network is seen as a real stepping stone for new film making talent."

FILM SYNOPSIS

Saturday 12 February:

Turning
Bafta-nominated for best short film in 2011, Turning tells the story of Robert, who on his sixth birthday receives three beautiful broken old birds in his mother's sitting room. Through his eyes, we visit the memory of this afternoon, visualised with the free-spirited imagination of childhood, naive yet wonderfully dark.

In Passing
Russell Tovey and Sean Pertwee feature in a wartime drama which explores a mother's love for her son.

Little Dinosaurs
This original animation uses a tale of two dinosaurs to reflect on issues around how we relate to each other.

Perfect To Begin
Hard-hitting drama which questions our preconceptions about what we see, as a thoroughly modern family sets out on a seaside holiday in a "borrowed" campervan.

Sexy Pig
Comedy which combines a telephone call, a break-in and cooking as never seen before.

Mud Boy
Creative and cinematic drama that explores the imagination of a young girl who needs to believe in an alternative reality.

Ant & Len
An original and post-watershed take on the Aardman school of animation. .

Saturday 19 February:

Wish 143
An Oscar-nominated short film about a young man desperate to come of age before time runs out. David is a 15-year-old boy with only months to live, who is granted one final wish from a charity. But he doesn't want to go to Disneyland or meet Gary Neville; what he really wants is an hour alone with a naked woman.

Cherries
Starring Alfie Allen, this is a highly original take on teenagers today, their preoccupations and their challenges, set in the possible near future.

Night School
A reflection on teenage love and illusion, as a young couple break into an abandoned school.

Stranded
A race through the night with a difference, as a woman goes in search of help.

The Rules Of The Game
An exploration of love and betrayal as a groom reflects on a recent revelation.

Tiga – What You Need
Fantastical surreal imagery set to a contemporary soundtrack.

Notes to Editors

The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ HD Channel is available through Freesat channel 109, Freeview channel 54, Sky channel 169 and Virgin Media channel 187.

LG