Zinnie Harris, who is an Associate Director at Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre and acclaimed director of numerous stage plays, has turned her talents to film. Her debut work is entitled A Glimpse and is about a young mother who accidentally opens a window on her past self at a time when she was struggling and doubting everything in her life.
Filmed on location in Marchmont, Edinburgh, A Glimpse, that was selected as an Emerging Talent Short by Creative Scotland/ SFTN, stars well known Scottish actors Kirsty Stuart and Jordan Young and is produced by Emmy Award winning John McKay of Compact Pictures.
Zinnie Harris, who is currently in development with Compact Pictures working to write and direct her first feature film said, “Having the opportunity to move from theatre to film was incredible – like having a whole new toy box; new colours, new dials, levers you can pull, tricks that would never work on stage. I’d worked with Kirsty Stuart many times in the theatre, so it was brilliant to have her with me as I stood behind a camera for the first time. What a journey! The crew were wonderful, and I learnt so much from them. The film is based on a personal story, one that many women will relate to, so it was always important to me. I’m glad it’s being shown in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, a fitting first outing for our film, and I’m delighted about the award, it’s a wonderful recognition for all our efforts. Overall, the whole experience has awoken something within me and I’ll be coming back for more!”
The film’s producer John McKay, himself a respected writer and director, said “I’m delighted that the work of this important Scottish writer and director should be recognised and honoured that our film should receive this prize. Worldwide the work of women on screen is finally receiving the attention it deserves, and Zinnie’s perspective is both bold and unique in capturing the female experience of life, loss and time.”
A Glimpse will have its world premiere screening at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival from 17-23rd May 2021.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 