Film fans are in luck this month, as the first Bedford Independent Film Festival launches at the Quarry Theatre.
Running from 11 – 13 April, the festival will feature a variety of independent feature films and a wide selection of shorts across an array of genres.
It will showcase work from new and established filmmakers and also host thought-provoking seminars and industry networking. Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking inspiration, a film-lover looking for your next favourite or just curious about the world of indie cinema – this is the event for you.
One of the films selected is Me, Myself and Mental Health, a documentary made by local wellbeing coach, Sophie Whelan and filmmaker Don Weerasirie and Jack Brown from Limelight TV.
Read: Launch of moving mental health documentary inspired by Bedfordians
It will be screened on the opening night and Sophie told the Bedford Clanger what it meant to be part of the festival: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our documentary has been selected for the Bedford Independent Film Festival.
“It’s an honour to be showcased alongside so many talented creatives.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our film with a wider audience and continue important conversations around mental health and suicide.”
Co-organiser, Andrew Gilbert, said: “Setting up a film festival in Bedford has been an aspiration of mine for many years and I can’t wait to bring the world of independent film to Bedford.
“BIFF will give filmmakers the chance to celebrate their success in an increasingly unforgiving industry and also offers Bedfordians a captivating alternative to the usual studio blockbusters.”
The weekend kicks off on Friday, 11 April with a welcome drink and a ‘Best of Bedford’ opening screening, showcasing local filmmaking talent.
An awards ceremony on Saturday will recognise the festival’s standout films and talent, creating a sense of occasion while celebrating the hard work behind the scenes. The event will also be an opportunity to come together as a creative community and celebrate the art of filmmaking and the filmmakers that work tirelessly to bring their visions to life.
In its inaugural year, BIFF is partnering with sponsors including Bedford Radio, Bedford College and Harrison & Simmonds and they are fundraising for the charity Medicinema.
Fellow organiser, Leah Perkins, told the Bedford Clanger, “I love Bedford and being able to celebrate local talented filmmakers, as well as bringing international filmmakers to our doorstep, is a very exciting journey to be on.”
Ticket information
Day passes and weekend passes are available from the Quarry Theatre website, with tickets granting access to all screenings, seminars, and events for that day.
You can read the full festival programme here.
