Still from "Monet's Giverny" by John GroslinThe race to become CFMC’s Film Maker of the Year continues to gather pace as the second half of the season gets firmly underway, writes Paul Desmond.

With one name very much in the frame, we will have to wait, however, until the End of Season Showcase on May 16 to discover the actual winner.

The club’s 57th season got off to a flying start for Andy Merz. He entered three films in the Open – Crying Children: Rubbish Clown; Married Bliss; and Saint – to give him a commanding lead of 18 points.

The actual winner of the competition was, however, Carols A & M by John Howden (10 points). Second was John Jones with Christmas in a Flash; and third John Groslin Summer Swarm ll.

Andy retained his impressive lead in the Five Minute competition coming second with TBPiS. But again the winning entry was from John Howden, Cathedrals, Castles and a Desert. Third was Mike Saucede with Suffolk.

The documentary competition saw neither Andy nor John competing. John Groslin took first place with Monet’s Giverny; second was Geoff Ingham with Robben Island and third Maurice Newbolt with Neuengamme Concentration Camp.

Later this month, the club holds the Holiday competition, followed by the Ray Jennings Challenge Trophy on February 28 and the Chairman’s Cup on March 28.

OMG! was the off-the-wall title chosen for the Make a Film in an Evening project, which couldn’t have been more appropriate, writes Paul Desmond.

As one CFMC member commented later: “that’s the most fun I’ve had on a Tuesday evening while keeping my clothes on”.

Much of the success of the evening must be attributed to the degree of enthusiasm, which members brought to the occasion.

Praise must also be credited to the project director John “JJ” Jones, who worked out in advance the killer shots he would need when he switched roles to editor.

This meant that when cameraman John Groslin and soundman Barrie Gibbard were ready to roll, “JJ” could immediately shout “action”.

The script was provided by Lionel Bloomfield, who also brought along his Gimble and joined other members film the filming – some members (shock, horror) actually used mobile phones and tablets.

The first part of the evening was taken up following the antics of would-be burglar Robin Garton and guest star John “Polly” Howden. After the coffee break, “JJ” got down to editing the clips, working against the clock.

The unanimous verdict was “let’s do that again …… and soon”.