Wednesday, 25 January 2023

Hebden Bridge Film Festival returns for 2023

Patron Maxine Peake planning to attend the festival for a
special screening of her short film, Incompatible

Following a break in 2022, Hebden Bridge Film Festival is set to return from 24th to 26th March, showcasing a range of independent films from around the world.

Festival passes are on sale now, with tickets for individual screenings available from 10th March, when the full festival programme - this year following the theme of 'hope and resistance' - will be announced.

The programme is set to include a range of award-winning and critically acclaimed international and homegrown films, including titles that have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and Venice International Film Festival. Many of the film screenings will be followed by Q&A's and panel discussions with special guests, including film directors, actors, writers and producers.

Patron Maxine Peake, who attended the inaugural event in 2019, is planning to attend the festival once again this year. She says, "I am delighted to be the Hebden Bridge Film Festival Patron. The theme of hope and resistance is close to my heart. It is important to have a film festival like HBFF, which celebrates community, and I can't wait to show my new short film, Incompatible".

Directed by Maxine Peake and filmed locally around Hebden Bridge, Incompatible is the first film to be confirmed for the festival. It is a heart-breaking story about a woman in turmoil struggling with the diagnosis of her longed-for unborn child.

Maxine will be joined at the festival by fellow Incompatible cast and crew members including writer and lead actress, Hayley Standing, and producers Jessica Levick and Shakyra Dowling.

Festival Director, Louise Wadley, says, "We hosted our last festival in 2021 online and it was a fantastic success, but we're really excited to bring people together in-person again for a shared experience. Part of what makes the festival so special is the buzz and atmosphere around the town and the vibrant, welcoming community spirit that Hebden Bridge is famous for. 

"It's been a challenging few years for many of us and 2023 is certainly no exception. With that in mind, our theme this year is 'hope and resistance'. We'll be showcasing some inspiring and powerful stories around this theme, and I can't wait to share them with our audiences.

"One of the things I love about the festival is being able to bring films that people in the local community wouldn't normally get to see. I'm very excited to announce the line-up, it's a diverse mix of captivating and memorable new films - watch this space!

"Our festival pass offers the best value, and I'd advise those wanting to attend to grab theirs soon before they sell out, as the screenings and events will have limited capacity."

Hebden Bridge Film Festival takes place over three days, with screenings and events at Hebden Bridge Picture House and Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

Passes are now available at www.hebdenbridgefilmfestival.org