February Is Film Festival Season In Keswick
February is film season in Keswick with THREE film festivals taking place.
Running for over 20 years, Keswick Film Festival returns with another wide range of stunning films.
As part of its world tour, the Banff Film Festival is visiting Theatre by the Lake with two new adventure film collections.
It is the second year for the Mint Chinese Film Festival hosted by Keswick Alhambra Cinema
With such a wide variety there is something for everyone. Read on to find out more.
Mint Chinese Film Festival - 1st-4th February 2023
Mint Chinese Film Festival is back for its fresh 2nd edition next month from Feb 1-4 in Keswick Alhambra Cinema to welcome the Chinese New Year!
We invite all UK film lovers to join us for a 4-day vibrant festival with rich Chinese film screenings, premieres, competition showcase, and the fascinating Festival Gala, engage in a thoughtful panel discussion with invited UK and Chinese film experts, and explore creativity at a workshop led by women artists and curators. Exciting cultural events and outdoor activities are planned in town, allowing every Minter, film lover, emerging filmmaker, film professional and female artist from China and the UK to experience the Chinese festive atmosphere and celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the best and most pioneering Chinese films!
Watch the trailer to learn more about our selection of films and discover a fascinating encounter between Chinese cinema and the Lake District.
Festival Highlights:
- 25+ rich Chinese film screenings
- Many European/UK premieres, with a world premiere
- Brand new feature and short film competition showcase
- Q&A with emerging Chinese filmmakers
- Festival Gala: Chinese silent film plus live music performance
- Panel discussion: Women in Chinese cinema, with UK and Chinese film experts
- Workshop led by women artists and curators
- Chinese New Year celebration events and outdoor activities
Venue: Keswick Alhambra Cinema
Banff Film Festival - 13-14 February
Unleash your wild side! Plunge into a night of thrilling adventure with the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour!
Coming to Theatre by the Lake in Keswick on Tue 13 & Wed 14 February, 2024!
Don’t miss nail-biting adventure from remote corners of the planet – up on the big screen!
There are two shows, each with an entirely different selection of films – the 2024 Red Film Programme (Tuesday 13 February) and the 2024 Blue Film Programme (Wednesday 14 February).
Double the adventure by coming to both with a two-show discount. With free prize giveaways, this is an unmissable event from the world’s most prestigious mountain festival – guaranteed to ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel.
Offers:
Groups of 6+ get tickets for £16 (£2 off)
Book for both Tuesday 13 February and Wednesday 14 February for just £32
Keswick Film Festival - 29th February - 3rd March
The full programme for the 2024 Film Festival is now available online and they have a great line-up of films that will enthral and entertain.
Starting off with the European Première of Between the Lights, filmed in part in Keswick itself, we move towards Festival favourite Kore-eda's latest Monster at the close.
In between they have a crop of pre-releases as well as a number of titles that feature in Sight and Sounds' 50 best films of 2023. We have the sensory masterpiece, Samsara and the culinary delights of The Taste of Things, both of which will be seen at their best on Rheged's big screen with its brand-new projector. Then there is Evil Does Not Exist, Hamaguchi's follow-up to Drive My Car; Mexico's Oscar entry Tótem and Sight and Sounds' Number 2 pick, The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer's prize-winning film about the Commandant at Auschwitz and the family life he tries to build just outside the fence.
Their guest from 2023, Hassan Nazer (Winners) has recommended Melody, which David Miller thinks could be this year's Lunana and look out for Four Daughters, one of the most eye-opening and emotional documentaries I have ever seen.
Festival passes will cost £60 for Film Club members and £75 for non-members, with individual tickets priced at £7 and £9 respectively. The box office system will automatically apply the member discount.
Tickets are available to purchase from Keswick Alhambra Cinema
What are the Ospreys?
Each year at the Keswick Film festival they celebrate local film making by showing a selection of short films. A panel of judges select the very best of these films and reward the talented film makers the prestigious Osprey awards. At the screening the audience also vote for their favourite film to win the Audience Award.