The Aldeburgh Cinema Trust has initiated and organised the first Aldeburgh & Suffolk Coastal Young People’s Film Festival as part of an ongoing project to develop the provision of high quality film and creative activity offers for children, young people and their families in the Suffolk Coastal area.
The festival takes place between 5th and 19th February 2016 at a variety of venues across The Suffolk Coast including Leiston Film Theatre, The Riverside Woodbridge, The Cut Halesworth, Ipswich Film Theatre, Orford Town Hall, Lowestoft Library and in Aldeburgh Cinema’s Main Auditorium as well as a specially created Pop-Up Studio space. All ages are catered for from three years upwards with a programme specially designed to be entertaining, fun and inspirational.
Local schools are invited to get involved by entering a Short Film Competition themed “An Iconic Story Retold in 5 Minutes”, and special film screenings designed to enhance the schools’ curriculum have been arranged for pupils of Farlingaye High School, Suffolk New College, Suffolk One College and Summerhill School. Associated workshops and activities are also planned throughout the year.
Aldeburgh Cinema’s General Manager, Thomas Gerstenmeyer said: “We are keen to get everyone involved in the inspirational and creative world of film and are proud to work with local schools and venues to create an interesting programme for children and young people of all ages to enjoy. The support has been overwhelming and we are thrilled that Hollywood star actor, Tom Hiddleston and Suffolk’s own Oscar winning filmmaker, Mat Kirkby are the festival’s Patrons.” Oscar winner Mat Kirby says: “The festival is a great chance for kids and adults alike to have fun, take part in events and be inspired by all the great movies being screened here.”
The Aldeburgh & Suffolk Coastal Young People’s Film Festival is the major highlight of an ongoing Audience Development Project in the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) programme which aims to develop key assets, delivering events and expanding activities to attract visitors to the region.