Leeds International Film Festival hits the heights

Local News

In another record-breaking year, over 35,000 people packed into venues across the city to enjoy the 27th Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF27).

Movie lovers were treated to a rich, diverse programme of scintillating film, which included 318 features, documentaries and shorts from over 50 countries. In preparing for LIFF27, more than 2000 film entries from over 60 countries were received.

After an opening festival gala, which included two special preview 3D screenings of sci-fi thriller ‘Gravity’ featuring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock at the Everyman Leeds Cinema in Trinity Leeds, some of the most acclaimed films of the year were showcased as part of the 261 screenings that were held. These included Cannes Palme D’Or winner ‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’, Berlin Golden Bear winner, ‘Child’s Pose’, Alexander Payne’s latest movie ‘Nebraska’ and a rare screening of György Pálfi’s unique ‘Final Cut: Ladies and Gentleman’.

The work of Polish animator and avant-gardist Walerian Borowczyk and the great Japanese director Masaki Kobayashi were also celebrated, along with cult classics, including the UK premiere of South Korean action blockbuster ‘Cold Eyes’. Timeless box-office hits such as ‘The Exorcist’, ‘Jaws’ and ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, also proved to be a big hit with audiences at their Leeds Town Hall screenings.

Budding filmmakers once again had the opportunity to showcase their work, as over 80 short films by new talent were judged by a five member international jury in the Short Film City category. With LIFF being one of only 70 film festivals where winners of short film and animation awards are considered for an Oscar nomination, competition from film makers is always fierce.

Preparation is now underway for the Leeds Young Film Festival (LYFF) which will be held from 31 March to 11 April 2014. For more details, please see www.leedsyoungfilm.com.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure & skills said:

“The Leeds International Film Festival is a fantastic event, and it is brilliant that over 35,000 people took the opportunity to enjoy its rich, diverse programme at venues across the city.

“The feedback we have received from the public has been extremely positive, and it is amazing to think that in the run-up to the festival more than 2000 entries from over 60 countries were received, which shows just how much the event is respected around the world by film makers of all ages and genres.

“Early this year we will also again have the Leeds Young Film Festival to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see what is on offer.”

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