Experience independent film at Hull Film Festival

This year’s event stretches across two weeks, offering viewers the chance to experience and enjoy independent film.

This is a great opportunity to discover the world of foreign language, educate yourself with a fascinating documentary, or indulge in some of your favourite cult classics.

“The Hull Independent Cinema team decided to set up Hull Film Festival because no one else was doing it in the city,” explains Damien. “It’s a yearly celebration of independent film. We have everything from advanced screenings and world cinema, to arthouse and kids’ favourites.”

What originally started out as a four-day event has now expanded to show more films than ever before, thanks to funding from the British Film Institute.

The first week of the festival takes place at Vue Cinema in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, whilst the second week is at Hull Truck Theatre.

“We also have special one-off events during the fortnight,” explains Damien. “Stage@The Dock is hosting an outdoor screening of La La Land on Friday 7 July and Fruit will be showing Rocky Horror Picture Show as part of Cult Cinema Sunday.”

As well as must-see movies, Hull Film Festival is going one step further by inviting special guests to a handful of their screenings. For example, Hitchcock’s The Lodger will be accompanied by a live score performed by Jonathan Best from Yorkshire Silent Film.

We asked the programmer to pick out five highlights of the festival:

“We’ve got a hard-hitting kidnap drama called Hounds of Love [pictured]. It’s an Australian thriller.”

“Another one to look out for in week one would be Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle, it’s a documentary about the housing crisis in the UK.”

This screening will involve an audience Q+A with the director.

Meanwhile, Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story will link in with Hull UK City of Culture: “The film focuses on local lad Mick, his rock legacy and work with The Spiders From Mars,” Damien continues.

“We’re also showing an exclusive documentary about David Lynch, the director of the much-loved TV show, Twin Peaks.”

For the kids, Damien recommends The Red Turtle: “It’s a Studio Ghibli animation following the story of a man who gets cast adrift and ends up having to survive on a desert island.”

Filmgoers can purchase week-long festival passes for just £52, which gains them access to every showing during that specific week.

“It gives people almost 50% off the original ticket prices,” adds Damien.

Meanwhile, standard individual tickets are just £7. Families can get entry to the selection of kids films for just £22. There are also discounts for Hull Independent Cinema members and students.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Hull Film Festival website.