Wirral International Film Festival moves to November to accommodate demand

Aug 24 2011 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL International Film Festival (WIFF) 2011 will take place in November, after organisers decided to give film-makers extra time to complete projects.

The festival, now in its fourth year, was due to run in its new slot during September but the change has been made in response to increasing demand from directors looking to have their films shown.

WIFF co-founder, Alan Veste told Wirral News: “There have been a few film-makers that have got in touch and want time to finish their movies, because they are keen to show at our festival.

“So for the first time, we have decided to extend the date.”

The change comes as the festival gathers further momentum and looks to vary its format to accommodate demand.

A homage to late Wallasey film-maker Alan Clarke has been well-received by his family, members of whom will be attending for the first time this year.

Alan Veste said: “We’ve also got all the Italians coming over from Latina.

“We’re taking last year’s WIFF winners next week to show in their festival.

“We’ve had a guy out there who won best documentary last year, he went out on his own and filmed a documentary about Latina and its twinning with Wirral.

“He just went out on a road trip.

“It’s amazing, a brilliant documentary.”

The festival will now take place between November 14 and 19, at the TA Centre in Oxton.

Film-makers of every type are welcome to send in their entries.

The only criteria is that either they or their film must relate in some way to Wirral.

Sponsors are also sought to help fund the project, which is free to enter and free to view throughout its run.Alan and co-founder Phil Bimpson are also looking to incorporate more question and answer sessions with film-makers.

Alan added: “We’re going to have some specialist nights doing Q&As.

“It gives ordinary film-makers the chance to listen and learn about the business.”

Wirral International Film Festival takes place between November 14 and 19 this year, at the TA Centre in Oxton.

To find out more, email: vesbim@yahoo.co.uk