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The first ever Newcastle International Film Festival hits the North East next month!

The inaugural Newcastle International Film Festival (NIFF) will take place over a four-day weekend spanning March 29 - April 1.

While hosting a selection of films from across the globe, NIFF is also dedicated to showcasing regional talent and will present a special ‘Homegrown Talent’ thread featuring films from across the North East.

With the likes of horror, science-fiction, LGBTQ+, animation to documentaries and short films, NIFF is aiming to have something for everyone.

The festival has had over 2,000 submissions from 87 countries, so a variety of films will be available.

The festival’s director has also curated what is said to be a ‘beautiful’ collection of classic films and new releases.

NIFF is to open with a 35mm screening of Get Carter at Tyneside Cinema, and present audiences with a special Q&A with director, Mike Hodges.

NIFF is also proud to host various world and UK premieres.

Toru Tokikawa’s explosive documentary, KISS vs MCZ, as well as Candida Brady’s drama, Urban & the Shed Crew, starring The Hobbit’s Richard Armitage and Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton will see their world premiere at NIFF.

The audience will also see the UK premiere of Academy Award-winning director, Barbara Kopple’s LGBTQ+ documentary, This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous.

Aside from what sounds like an exciting film lineup, NIFF will also be presenting a variety of exclusive events, industry workshops and panels.

The festival will be pre-opening on March 28 with a Ladies Who Mean Business Luncheon. The lunch will include a special Q&A with influential women from variety of industries.

The Closing Awards Ceremony on April 1 will bookend the inaugural festival, which will also host Q&A’s with various filmmakers throughout the bank holiday weekend and a variety of masterclasses discussing everything to do with film, from inception to final distribution.

Tickets for various events, screenings and multi-passes are now available and can be purchased online via Newcastle Festival.

For more information on the festival, please email enquiries@newcastlefestival.co.uk.

News about the festival is also available over on Twitter @NewcastleFest; Instagram @NewcastleFestival and Facebook @NewcastleFilmFestival.

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