05.02.03      
Cornwall Film Festival builds on first year's success

The first Cornwall Film Festival, part funded by Objective One and held in Falmouth last October, was such a success that it is now set to become an annual event. More than 60 films, all made in Cornwall in the past 2 years, were screened and many of the screenings were sold out. Special events like the first public screening outside Scotland of Lynne Ramsay's MORVERN CALLAR and the first screening for 20 years of Sam Peckinpah's STRAW DOGS were so popular that second showings were also fully booked. The event was held at, and supported by, Falmouth Arts Centre and the Tremough Media Centre of Falmouth College of Arts.

Some of the films chosen as the Cornish entries for the 2003 Celtic Film Festival were first publicly screened at the Falmouth event, thus qualifying for entry to the Celtic. Among these are Penzance film-maker Antal Kovacs's Cornish feature film HWEROW HWEG, which finds itself in competition with MORVERN CALLAR from Scotland. Also nominated is Cornwall Film Fund's first short film, CHEAP RATE GRAVITY, directed by Falmouth's Bill Scott, which will be competing with Cornwall Media Resource's production DYING FOR ONE, made by Morag C. Smith and backed by the National Lottery Commedia scheme for community film-making.

Andrew Edmonds, Chair of the Cornwall Film Festival board, says: "It's been a fantastic first year, now we need to build on that success and open it up to more people in the South West."

Colin Rogers, Director of the Cornwall Film Fund and a member of the Festival's board, says: "Last year the Festival in Falmouth provided a terrific showcase for the work that has been going on in Cornwall. This year we'll be able to screen the results of a further year's investment by our Fund and the Festival will again provide a unique opportunity for film-makers and audience to meet, watch and talk. Its an unmissable event for anyone who loves film."

The Festival dates for 2003 are 13th-15th November. The organisers will soon be advertising for a part-time Director to plan the event. More information will be available from the Festival website www.cornwallfilmfestival.com in due course or from Cornwall Film on 01872 322886.

Contacts:
Andrew Edmonds 01872 577444
Colin Rogers 01872 322886
www.cornwallfilm.com

Editor's notes:

Jason Clark
Communications Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388

jason@dclark.co.uk

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