What do Winona Ryder, Joseph Fiennes and Gerard Depardieu all have in common? All will be gracing the big screen in a cinema project that brings world films to rural Suffolk.
Last year, Babergh’s International Film Festival, The Wider Picture Project, brought a wide range of foreign language films to venues large and small across Babergh - and following its success it was decided to make the Festival an annual event.
The Wider Picture Project has now expanded to include venues in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk. During April and May the best of international film will be screened in those communities that do not have their own cinema.
The project, which aims to increase the range of films available locally, and promote understanding of other cultures and lifestyles to a wider audience, will be launched on April 24 at Polstead Village Hall when Cinema Paradiso will be screened.
Venues taking part in the Babergh area include Polstead Village Hall, Nayland Village Hall, Peninsula Pix Tattingstone, Hollywood in Hadleigh, Flix in the Stix Lavenham, Screen at Sproughton, Hartest Cinema and The Quay Theatre, Sudbury. A number of educational screenings will be taking place at both Sudbury Upper School and Holbrook High School.
Jill Barton, Babergh’s Community Development Officer said: “This is a real opportunity for film lovers in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk to see some stunningly different films which will highlight world cinema and promote some of our joint digital cinema venues.
”Last year’s event was a huge hit with audiences who were often getting their first opportunity to see such films in their local community.”
Dave Gregory, project co-ordinator, added: “I am delighted to be associated again with the Wider Picture Project and that this year’s event has increased in size to encompass venues from Mid Suffolk.
“The festival enables those living in rural areas of Suffolk a unique opportunity to watch and discuss some of the best films from around the world.”
Venues being used in the Mid Suffolk area include Walsham le Willows, The Regal, Stowmarket, Stonham Aspal Community Centre, Wingfield Barns and Screen in the Barn at Thrandeston.
And Zoey Furzer, Mid Suffolk Arts Officer, said: “I am delighted that Mid Suffolk venues will be taking part in the project this year.
“The venues have done a great job in picking some fantastic films and I’m confident these will be well-received by audiences.”
Most of the venues are part of the Suffolk Digital Cinema Network a countywide organisation which assists groups to organise film shows in towns and villages in Suffolk.
Each venue, run by local volunteers, will be screening films for both adults and children and some screenings will be accompanied by food from the film’s country of origin.
Tickets cost £3 for adults and children, aged 16 and under, are allowed entry free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Full details of all films being shown during the festival together with venue and timings can be found on the Wider Picture Project website http://www.widerpictureproject.org.uk/ and on the Babergh and Mid Suffolk websites http://www.babergh.gov.uk/ and http://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/.
For further enquiries please contact Jill Barton, Community Development Officer, Babergh District Council, on 01473 826674 or Zoey Furzer, Arts Officer, Mid Suffolk District Council, on 01449 724638. ENDS
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