Wirral International Film Festival aims to be even better

Feb 25 2009 Birkenhead News

WIRRAL International Film Festival is gearing up for its second year, as organisers hope to build on the roaring success of 2008’s event.

Last November, film-makers and film- goers descended on Birkenhead’s Queens Hotel for a celebration of movies, with contributions flying in from across Wirral and even as far away as Latina in Italy.

Now organisers, Alan Veste and Phil Bimpson want to broaden the remit and include entries from the peninsula’s twin towns in Texas and France.

Alan told the News: “What we are hoping is to expand on the massive input we had last year, when we got in excess of 96 short and feature films, animations and documentaries.”

The pair are aiming to make 2009’s Wirral International Film Festival (WIFF) the biggest yet, and have already decided to run it over five days, rather than four, with earlier starting times to squeeze as much in as possible.

And in recognition of the huge number of submissions for WIFF 2008, Alan and Phil intend to broaden the awards’ remit to ensure those with a role outside the director’s chair are also recognised.

Alan said: “This year we will be giving out awards for best actor, best cinematography, best lighting and all the other things that go into film-making.

“It gives people a bit more to feel good about and may make them think. I want to go and make another film now.”

In keeping with the tradition established at WIFF 2008, everything will be free.

Phil said: “People who contribute films will not be charged a penny, it will all be free.

“People can come off the street and watch what they want to watch.

“At the end of the day it’s by Wirral for the benefit of Wirral.”

So far the event has been entirely funded by Alan and Phil’s production company, Vesbim, but the pair are looking for sponsors who may want to present awards, or provide refreshments, all in return for being associated with Wirral’s only film festival.

Alan said: “It was a truly great vibe last year.

“Everybody has been positive and we’re all champing at the bit to get going again.”

WIFF 2009 will run from November 23 – 27 2009. Visit www.vesbim.co.uk for more information.