Manchester Film Festival: All you need to know

The Manchester Film Festival is an exciting event that showcases a wide variety of films, and this year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Over the course of ten days, more than 150 films will be screened, making it a significant celebration of storytelling through cinema. The festival is expected to attract around 8,000 attendees, all eager to experience the best of new and independent films. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown to become Manchester's largest celebration of film, featuring a diverse range of works from both established and emerging filmmakers. Among the highlights of this year's festival is a documentary titled HILL, which focuses on the life of Formula 1 champion Damon Hill. Following the screening, there will be a special question and answer session with Hill himself, providing fans with a unique opportunity to engage with the racing legend. The festival is not just about showcasing films; it is also a platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences and each other. It features a mix of films from renowned directors and actors, as well as low-budget world premieres from new filmmakers who are just starting their careers in the industry. The festival is recognized as a BAFTA qualifying event for British short films and is also BIFA qualifying for both shorts and features. This means that films shown at the festival can be considered for prestigious awards, giving filmmakers a chance to gain recognition for their work. This year, the festival will present 45 feature films, including 15 UK premieres and four world premieres, along with Q&A sessions that allow audiences to interact with the filmmakers. The festival will take place from March 14 to March 23, with events held at various venues in Manchester city center. The Odeon Great Northern will host the majority of the screenings, but the festival will kick off at the Aviva Studios with the UK's first public screening of The Penguin Lessons, directed by British filmmaker Peter Cattaneo and featuring Steve Coogan. Additionally, for the first time, some events will be held at HOME, another popular venue in Manchester. The festival was founded by Neil Jeram Croft, who was inspired to create it after his own experience making a film. He recognized a gap in the market for a film festival in Manchester and wanted to provide a platform for new filmmakers to showcase their work. Croft's vision was to create a special experience for those starting out in the industry, and over the past decade, the festival has grown significantly, focusing on both filmmakers and audiences alike. Some of the standout films to look forward to include The Penguin Lessons, which is based on a best-selling memoir and tells the inspiring story of an Englishman who undergoes a personal and political awakening during a tumultuous time in Argentine history, thanks to his unexpected bond with a penguin. Another highlight is HILL, a documentary that chronicles Damon Hill's journey to becoming a Formula 1 racing legend, overcoming personal tragedy and challenges along the way. This film is directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes. The festival will also feature the world premiere of Departures, a film that explores the struggles of a man named Benji as he navigates addiction and confronts his past after a toxic relationship. Additionally, there will be a coming-of-age science fiction film titled Phase, directed by Jessica Vogt, and a film by Burnley-born Jack Hartley, known for his role in Peaky Blinders, which was shot in Audenshaw. If you are interested in attending the festival, it is important to note that tickets or passes are required for the events. A full program of events and ticket information can be found on the festival's official website. While the festival aims to be inclusive, most of the films are rated for older audiences, with many films receiving age certifications of 15 or 18. Each film's rating is included in the listings on the festival's website, so be sure to check before attending. If you have any suggestions for stories that should be covered in Greater Manchester, the festival encourages you to reach out and share your ideas.