Move over Cannes! Wirral International Film Festival returning for a fifth year next week

Nov 7 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

MOVE over Cannes – Wirral International Film Festival returns for a fifth year next week.

MOVE over Cannes – Wirral International Film Festival returns for a fifth year next week.

Filmmakers as young as twelve will join the movie-making magic at the independent film festival, which kicks off at the TA Centre in Oxton on Monday (November 12).

Each night of the five-night event starts at 7pm and will be dedicated to a different category or style of film – all aimed at showcasing the work of Wirral film enthusiasts.

The opening night will focus on music videos and youth films, with documentaries on Tuesday and short films on Wednesday.

After a break on Thursday, the festival resumes on Friday with an Italian film night, closing with an awards night on Saturday.

Joe Casci, 12, is the youngest entrant this year with “My Sad Life”. Set to music, it shows him moping around his house – but with a final twist.

Co-organiser Alan Veste said: “We’re almost ready for this year’s festival and we’ve got another really good selection of films to show.

“We’ve had 40-50 films sent to us, some from people who’ve entered before and others from new filmmakers.

“A mental health group in Union Street, Wallasey have formed a film group and they’ve put something forward. 

“There are also quite a few entries from school groups and other young people. Joe is the youngest and hopefully having his film in the festival will encourage him to carry on and make more films.”

Organisers say new category for this year – social awareness – on Tuesday will feature some hard-hitting films covering mental health issues.

Others will look at abuse and conspiracy theories surrounding the 7/7 bombings

Over the last five years the festival, established by Alan and fellow producer Phil Bimpson, has forged strong links with Latina, Wirral’s twin town in Italy.

The festival will be rolling out the red carpet to welcome Italian filmmakers and members of the Latina Film Commission for Italian night.

The link has inspired one of this year’s films by Tony Williams – a documentary which sees him travelling to Italy to explore its connection with the borough.

Awards will be given to the best film in each category, as well as best actors, directors and other components.And every film will be battling out for the Wirral News Award, which is based entirely on audience votes.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. Find more information at www.wirralfilmfestival.com