After two highly successful years the third Holmfirth Film Festival begins on Saturday 19 May with over 40 award-winning feature films from around the world, the premier of new films and documentaries, unseen gems from the past, a great series of campaigning films and more film-based events and screenings at new venues throughout the Holme Valley.
Among the visitors to the Festival this year are Joan Bakewell, one of Britain’s foremost broadcasters and champions of the arts, who will talking about her favourite films.
Sixties star Shirley Anne Field celebrating her films such as Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Alfie and My Beautiful Laundrette, and talking about her co-stars – Steve McQueen and Michael Caine – and television work on Last of the Summer Wine and Where the Heart Is.
Renowned poet Simon Armitage introduces his favourite film, which will feature a live soundtrack by local resident and internationally acclaimed composer, Barry Russell; and a host of specialists and enthusiasts talking about film.
Award-winning documentary film-maker Bruno Wollheim will introduce his two documentaries on Yorkshire artists David Hockney.
The Festival celebrates the 50th Anniversary of 1962 – the first Beatles record, the first Stones gig, the beginnings of Mod, Jamaican Independence, the movies of local Hollywood star, James Mason – with a series of special screenings and a ‘1962 Night’ featuring two great tribute bands, The Cheatles and The Rollin’ Stoned.
As always there are plenty of children’s and family films from Hugo to The Muppets, animation workshops and film competitions for schools and for young people.
Festival Director Stephen Dorril said: “This is going to be a really exciting festival. We have greatly expanded the number of events were are organising across the Holme Valley and hope to attract a wider audience from across the region.”
“We are for the first time premiering films and documentaries and have commissioned new works including music soundtracks for live events. Our short film competition is attracting hundreds of films from around the world.”
“If you are a film enthusiast, or tired of the multiplexes, or want something different, or just simply love films, then come and take part in this community celebration of the best of cinema both new and old.”
Most events sold out last year so make sure you buy your tickets early for ever popular Ladies Who Lunch (lunch at Holmfirth restaurant plus a film), the Curry and Film Night in Meltham, the new Italian slow cinema night in a Barn, the small venues around the Valley and the opening night Film Trail with film events throughout the opening night at many venues in Holmfirth.
The Festival programme is available on www.holmfirthfilmfestival.com at Holmfirth Tourist Information Office or send for a copy: HFF, The Smithy, Smithy Lane, Holmbridge, Holmfirth HD9 2NF or telephone 01484 684094.
