Joshua Freemantle and Patrick Johnson launched the official programme for next month’s inaugural Lowestoft Film Festival today. Here, Festival founder Joshua explains how they can’t wait to welcome audiences across the venues in the town in October
The official programme for the next month’s inaugural Lowestoft Film Festival launched today thanks, to the efforts of Joshua Freemantle and Patrick Johnson of Sunrise Studios, a local community production company that directly supports young people from disadvantaged rural communities to help them realise their potential within the creative arts and film industry. The original idea of the film festival was formed in September 2021 and the duo decided with the support of local regional charity Access Community Trust, that it felt right to finally launch the film festival earlier this year.
The programme includes an outstanding selection of local, regional and national films, curated from nearing 300 submissions. Screenings are set to take place in venues including the Lowestoft Library and The Grit Arts Centre across the weekend on 22-23 October, as well as the Parcels office exhibition space at the Lowestoft central train station being home to a special exhibition on the history of cinema in Lowestoft and the newly revamped East Point Pavilion will also feature an evening screening of specially selected coastal themed shorts from the 24-28 October.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy with 86 films screening across the festival. The programme includes two special programmes of family friendly animated shorts, with themes ranging from suspenseful thrillers, family comedies and action-packed shorts. The films also cover a range of relatable topics to both old and modern times.
Joshua, Founder of LFF and development producer of Sunrise studios, says: ‘We’re so proud of what we’ve been able to put together and we can’t wait to welcome audiences across the venues in the town in October. The full selection features a range of bold and innovative stories from around the country, with the subject matters catering for audiences of all ages and tastes. The inaugural edition of the Lowestoft Film Festival has truly become an event that will be supporting and showcasing independent film from across the region and wider afield, and all ticket proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charity Access Community Trust.’
Co-founder Patrick adds: ‘The last couple of years have been difficult for creatives in our region, especially the upcoming generation that might not have been able to utilise their studies or the creative freedom that comes with being a young filmmaker/creative. Lowestoft Film Festival has provided an opportunity that people can absolutely grab with both hands, and I can’t wait to see it all come together.’
The Film Festival is made possible with support from Film Hub South East, Lowestoft Town Council, Lowestoft Central Project & Wherry Lines Partnership, Friends of Lowestoft Library, East Point Pavilion, The Grit Arts Centre, Sunrise Studios & Access Community Trust.
The inaugural Lowestoft Film Festival takes place from October 22-28. Full details about each film featured in the Official Selection, alongside a trailer for the event, are available for the public to view at lowestoftfilmfestival.co.uk/programme. To stay updated with the latest on the film festival and when bookings open, follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @LWTFilmFest.
Featured image (left to right): LFF Co-founder Patrick Johnson and Founder Joshua Freemantle, celebrating the Programme launch. Picture credit: Sunrise Studios.
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