FULL PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED FOR 2016 MANCHESTER FILM FESTIVAL

MANIFF-2016

Over 90 films to make their World, UK and regional premieres at ManIFF2016

The official selection for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival was announced today at a special launch event at Elliot House in Manchester.

Over 90 films will make their World, UK and regional premieres at ManIFF2016, which takes place between 3 to 6 March 2016 at venues across the city including AMC Manchester, Odeon Printworks and HOME.

The international premiere of Dennis Viollet – A United Man will open the festival on Thursday 3rd March at HOME. Directed by Dennis’ daughter, Rachel Viollet, this unique sports documentary is an intimate portrait of the career and legacy of the late Busby-babe and features commentary from footballing greats including Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Robson, Dennis Law, Nobby Stiles, Wilf McGuinness Paddy Crerand and Mike Summerbee.

Two short films will also be presented on Opening Night Gala including Manchester-based actor/director Ben Price’s I’m Sorry To Tell You and A Walk in Winter starring James Franco and Abigail Spencer.

Film and music fans are in for a treat on 5 March with ‘Music Saturday’ which sees a line-up of films including the world premiere of Vince Giordano – There’s a Future in the Past, a documentary about the Brooklyn born jazz musician who brought the music to ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and numerous Woody Allen films. Vince will be playing live alongside Manchester’s very own Mart Rodger’s Jazz band to bring a 1920’s prohibition vibe to the event. Lunar Orbit, a documentary about British electronic music group, The Orb, also make its world premiere at the event.

The AMC Manchester will play host to ‘Sports Super Sunday’ on 6 March, showcasing a selection of sporting films, including Colin Offland’s Dennis Rodman’s Big Bang in Pyongyang, No Limits, the story of para-cyclist and racing driver Alex Zanardi, Northern Limits, a narrative feature set against the back drop of the 2002 Japan/South Korea World Cup and the UK Fiction premiere of Broke, the story of an Australian rugby league star who falls on hard times.

Playing alongside ‘Sports Super Sunday’ at sister venue Odeon Printworks, will be a selection of international films directed by and/or featuring inspiring women. The themed event, which coincides with Manchester’s 2016 ‘Wonder Woman’ event, includes the international premieres of Cornelia Moore’s West of Redemption, a romantic-thriller starring Billy Zane, and Daniela Amavia’s A Beautiful Now which stars Abigail Spencer. The UK premiere of Despite the Falling Snow starring Rebecca Ferguson, Sam Reid and Charles Dance will also screen on the day, as well as Right Footed an inspiring documentary about Jessica Cox, a woman born without arms who is now a licensed pilot and leading advocate for people with disability.

The festival closes with the international premiere of There Should be Rules, a Scandinavian coming-of-age drama directed by Linda Maria Birbeck. The Closing Night Gala will also include the prestigious Award Ceremony where the symbolic Manchester Bee awards will return for its second year.

“Film fans came out in their thousands for our first year and we’re delighted to be expanding the festival in its second year and excited to be partnering with new venues including HOME and ODEON. We’re looking forward to showcasing a strong slate of bold new films in Manchester this March” comments Founding Director Neil Jeram-Croft.

Tickets for the 2016 Manchester Film Festival go on sale on 11 January. For the full list of films and ticket availability, visit www.maniff.co.uk