AN average trip to the cinema might involve explosions, car chases and mind-boggling CGI.

But a new event in Mayfield is providing an antidote to such high-octane action with a series of films showcasing the “slow cinema” genre.

The Slow Short Film Festival is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, according to organisers.

It takes place on Saturday.

Showing 13 films from 13 countries, the event aims to highlight the importance of slowing life down amid the relentless pace and constant information of the modern world.

Festival director Peter Treherne was inundated with film submissions – more than 150 from 37 countries.

Filmmaker Peter, 26, said: “By doing some research we realised there isn’t a single festival in the world doing the same thing as us.

“I think that’s why we got so many submissions – there are lots of filmmakers who aren’t being represented.”

The films shown at the festival are all under 45 minutes’ duration and correspond to the guidelines of slow cinema.

Peter said key features of the genre are long takes, long shots and a focus on everyday activities.

He said: “The average character in a slow film behaves in a very realistic way.

“They’re probably engaged in work and their bodies show the labour of their years.

“As soon as you take that approach, you immediately get to the point of how time affects our lives. It’s about extending the moments that would usually be cut out [of movies].”

Peter added that the term slow cinema was first coined by a film critic in Sight and Sound magazine six years ago, and that the genre is a conscious reaction to “what people love but also moan about in contemporary society”.

He said: “Being able to communicate so quickly all the time is wonderful but also distracting. I always catch myself checking my phone and being taken away from what I was doing in the first place.

“The films in this festival are actively trying to create a space for contemplation. It’s about mindfulness.”

You might think drifting off during a film is a damning verdict on the movie in question, but Peter said that was a natural response to slow movies.

“You can slip out of yourself and zone out while watching them. They wash over you.”

  • The Slow Short Film Festival takes place from 10.30am until 9.30pm on Saturday at Mayfield Memorial Hall and School Concert Hall. For more information visit slowshortfilmfestival.com