Everything you need to know about the 2016 Manchester Film Festival, from venue locations to ticket availability
After its successful inaugural year in 2015, the Manchester International Film Festival makes a welcome return to the city this March, showcasing a strong slate of bold new films.
Film fans came out in their thousands last year to visit the festival which took place between the 10th and 12th July at the AMC Manchester. This year, the festival is bigger and better than ever before with a host of new films, new venues and a new annual date.
The official selection for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival was announced at a special launch event at Elliot House in Manchester yesterday (read our article here) but to make life a little easier, we’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about the 2016 Manchester Film Festival, from the new venue locations to ticket availability.
When?
The 2016 Manchester Film Festival will take place on Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th March. Organisers decided to move the four-day film event to earlier in the year following feedback from fans. Scheduling for last year’s event meant the festival clashed with the Wimbledon final as well as the summer holidays, making it difficult for film fans to catch the films they wanted. As a result, organisers took this feedback on board and changed the 2016 festival date to March, the new annual date for the festival.
Where?
Following the success of its inaugural year in 2015, a number of new partner venues have been announced for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival. This year, the festival will extend citywide with HOME, AMC Manchester and the Odeon Printworks all hosting the festival in March.
The brand-new HOME venue which opened in May 2015 will host the Opening Night Gala and Closing Night Gala on Thursday 3rd and Sunday 6th March respectively. The Odeon Printworks will host a selection of international films directed by and/or featuring inspiring women while last year’s venue AMC Manchester will showcase the new ‘Sports Super Sunday’ event.
What?
Over 90 films will make their World, UK or regional premieres at the festival, from documentary shorts to full-length feature films. A number of new themed events will also feature as part of the festival including ‘Music Saturday’, ‘Sports Super Sunday’ and selection of international films directed by and/or featuring inspiring women, designed to coincide with Manchester’s 2016 ‘Wonder Woman’ event.
The festival opens on Thursday 3rd March at HOME with Dennis Viollet – A United Man screening on the Opening Night Gala. Directed by his daughter Rachel, this intimate portrait looks back at the career and legacy of the late Busby-babe and features commentary from sporting legends like Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Robson, Dennis Law, Nobby Stiles, Wilf McGuinness, Paddy Crerand and Mike Summerbee.
The international premiere of There Should be Rules closes the festival on Sunday 6th March. Directed by Linda Maria Birbeck, this Scandinavian coming-of-age drama tells the story of a secret affair between a 35 year-old man and a 14 year-old girl. The Closing Night Gala will also include the closing Award Ceremony celebration where the symbolic Manchester Bee awards will return for its second year.
Other films to look out for during the festival include A Walk in Winter starring James Franco and Abigail Spencer, No Limits, a sports documentary about para-cyclist and racing driver Alex Zanardi, Cornelia Moore’s West of Redemption, a romantic-thriller starring Billy Zane, Despite the Falling Snow starring Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid and Charles Dance and the world premiere of Vince Giordano – There’s a Future in the Past, a documentary about the Brooklyn born jazz musician.
Who?
An array of UK and international filmmaking and acting talent will feature as part of the 2016 programme, including James Franco, Charles Dance, Martin Freeman, Rebecca Ferguson, Sir John Hurt, Maxine Peake, Billy Zane and James Cosmo.
A number of exclusive live music performances will also take place during the festival to keep audiences entertained, including jazz legend Vince Giordano who will be bringing a 1920’s prohibition vibe to ‘Music Saturday’ by playing live alongside Manchester’s very own Mart Rodger’s Jazz band.
How Do I Get Tickets?
Tickets for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival go on sale on Monday 11th January. The full list of films and details of ticket availability can be found at www.maniff.com where you can also find updates on special events, news and further announcements.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
Social Profiles