Holmfirth Film Festival builds on previous success
This year’s Film Festival builds on the success of the last four years with an exciting programme of 80 films and documentaries from around the world and the UK, screened in the historic Picturedrome and a dozen different venues throughout the Holme Valley, plus a range of innovative events.
Festival Director Stephen Dorril said: ‘This year sees a major expansion in the number of films were are screening. We are catering for lots of different interests and groups. We want people to share our enthusiasm for film and to give them the opportunity to see films they simply would not have to opportunity to view otherwise.’
Dorril said: ‘We are known for interesting events and quirky venues. Last year it was the Yurt. This year’s new venue is The Cinema Truck, a truck that has been converted into a wonderful mobile cinema. It was kindly loaned to us by Craig Morrison and transported to Sands Recreational Park by Turner Brothers.’
‘This has been a great year for film, with outstanding prize winners and a rich crop of independent film, especially from the UK, including Bradford’s Clio Barnard, whose superb The Selfish Giant is screened at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, with an introduction by one of the film’s young actors Shaun Thomas.’
Dorril said: ‘We are making a special effort during this holiday period with films for children and families, and for films specifically for young people. It is part of our remit to encourage young people to see film as a great cultural and creative activity and experience.’ This includes workshops for animation and short film-making.
As part of the 100 Day Yorkshire Festival of art and cultural events leading up to the Grand Depart, the Festival is putting on a series of specially commissioned music soundtrack events around the theme of cycling. National and internationally renowned local composed and arrangers – Barry Russell and David Hirst – are among those commissioned by the Festival.
Another Tour de France strand is the series of leading and award-winning French Films.
Dorril said: ‘Word of the Festival has reached beyond this area, to the regions and even nationally with great support form Kirklees and the British Film Institute. We have already had enquiries from London and Liverpool from people staying the whole week of the Festival.’
‘An indication of the success of what is in practice a small community based, volunteer run Festival – part of its charm – is that we are starting to premier films from the world.’
Dorril said: ‘The festival has its favourite events – Ladies Who Lunch, Film in a Barn, Curry and Film. This year we are introducing the Clipathon – bring along your favourite film clip on DVD and tell us about it – the karaoke of film.’
‘Those of us who work at the Festival love the genuine buzz of interest in the area that is generated by it. If you want to volunteer, please do get in touch – especially if you have some technical experience.
‘Pick up a brochure or visit the website – there is a film and event for everyone with an interest in film.’
The Festival website has all the latest news, full details of all films and events, and ticket information.
www.holmfirthfilmfestival.co.uk
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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