Festivals

Wolverhampton Film Festival Gears Up For 2024 Edition

Published

6 months ago

Apr 29, 2024

Only in its third year. Yet steadily building a great reputation in celebrating up-and-coming filmmakers, born and bred in the West Midlands as well as across the UK. This May (Friday 3rd/Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th) sees Wolverhampton Film Festival roll out the red carpet once again, for their 2024 edition.

Founded by Arun Kapur and Gurjant Singh. Further supported by a judging panel that includes award-winning scriptwriter/director Rob Ayling, Birmingham Young Film Network founder Cassie Smyth, producer of award-winning short ‘Cognition’ Ravi Ajit Chopra, animation director Sam O’Leary and University Of Wolverhampton senior Film And TV lecturer Russell Prior.

Their mission statement has been to raise awareness of the terrific talent within the region, whilst encouraging further utilising of the city of Wolverhampton for future productions. An added incentive this year? Raising the profile of the University of Wolverhampton as the festivities shift to their Screen School. Promising to showcase an eclectic and emotionally-charged line-up of films across the weekend, consisting of short films, micro shorts, music videos, animation and documentaries.

Notable mentions include the Friday offerings of Omari McCarthy’s Handsworth-set Results Day, alongside Lorna Nickson Brown drama Dog Run. Meanwhile on Saturday, you’ll be treated to a BFI-backed double in The Sikh Soldier and Barricade, alongside Slick Films’ creation In Too Deep.

Opening up the festival (3rd) will be Wolverhampton Film Festival partner Create Central, encouraging its attendees to talk all things cinema with a networking event. Whilst a glitzy awards ceremony will close out proceedings on Sunday (5th) at the University’s Chancellor Hall, complete with student union afterparty.

Not content with screening quality independent film. The 2024 edition of the festival boasts an industry panel discussion involving producer Neil Chordia, Actor Cory Mcclane, Actress Rupinder Kaur and festival judge Russell Prior. Masterclasses with Sigma Sonics founder Alex Vasco and BAFTA-shortlisted screenwriter Omar Parvaz. Last but not least, a Q+A with former Eastender and more recently Seize Them star Nitin Ganatra OBE as he discusses his successful acting career.