Community Film Festival First The first ever Northampton International Community Film Festival takes place in Northampton from Friday 15th until Sunday 17th September featuring films from all over the world. Event organisers received almost 200 films including documentaries, dramas, community films and educational resources from Malaysia and Namibia to Vietnam and India. The initial publicity invited film-makers to consider the contribution of their work to society. There were several related themes or issues: building a more cohesive community; citizenship; combating discrimination; environmental improvement; urban or rural regeneration; voluntary and community groups making a difference. The festival was developed as a joint project produced by the University of Northampton’s School of Arts and NCompass, a county-wide support group for local charities and volunteer organisations. Festival director Dr Ian McCormick explained: “The emphasis from the start has been on films made by local people that record life in their community. We were looking for a strong message rather than big budget films.” He added: “Our festival demonstrates that it is now possible to make a powerful film on a small budget.” The festival coincides with the opening of a community Cinema at St George’s Avenue Campus in Northampton. The Dean of the University of Northampton’s School of Arts Mr Dave Keskeys said: “It demonstrates what the university and the local community can achieve when they work together to improve society.” All films are being screened in the University community cinema at St George's Avenue campus and entry is FREE! A copy of the complete programme, which includes a screening of 'To Know Your Truth Inside' the short film produced last year by the NLGBA youth group, can be downloaded here. 08.06
|