April sees some fantastic fun and interesting events where film is concerned; whether it’s catching the latest action with local film makers or hammering a battered piece of metal to a silent movie. Here’s a taste of some events and news worth knowing about and definitely being involved in.

On Friday, April 10, from 8pm, OVADA will take their brave pills and allow the public to come to one of their workshops with an instrument, voice or anything which makes noise (in my case, all of the above) to create a soundtrack to the classic German Expressionist silent film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. A guest musician will lead the proceedings for what looks like really good fun.

Their event on Saturday, April 18, at 8pm, gives the chance for people to engage with Man With A Movie Camera: A Global Remake, a participatory video shot around the world. There will be a screening and the opportunity to film a scene for the movie and upload it to the website. OVADA are based at Osney Lane and have a packed calendar worth checking out at ovada.org.uk

Cowley Road cinema The Ultimate Picture Palace has a screening of new film Bypass, directed by award-winner Duane Hopkins and staring George MacKay of Pride and Sunshine on Leith. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. The team at UPP have their fingers and legs crossed that Mr MacKay will be joining the event, which starts at 3.30pm on Saturday, April 18.

Of rising stars hoping to join the ranks of Duane Hopkins coming to the fore in Oxford’s film community, we introduce Rodeo Whiter, who has just completed a crowdfunding campaign for her new short film, Rocket Man. Set in 2065, it’s the story of a stranded astronaut drifting in space with no communication with earth. Filming starts in April. Rodeo is an SAE Institute student and also heavily involved with the Digital Youth projects at Film Oxford.

Hot off the back of filming concept video art for an Oxford Playhouse theatre production, predestined filmmaker and SAE Institute student Shannen King is now ensconced in the post-production studio, adding the final touches to a film about concert pianist Maki Sakiya. Shannon shot alongside fellow filmmaker and student Gina Money at the SJE Arts Centre, Oxford.

Given a brief to profile Maki’s musical talent and passion, the team checked out three industry standard film cameras from SAE Institute and worked tirelessly to ensure the music was captured from every angle to convey the beauty of the pieces performed.

For those who dream of making their own screen magic, Film Oxford has a three-day Video Production Course, April 13-15, 9.30am to 2.45pm. Participants will shoot an advert for a community group, to be put on YouTube. Call 01865 792731 or go to filmoxford.org

Andrew Cashin