| Date | |
|---|---|
| Author | DCM |
| Categories | Exhibitor News |
Showcomotion Young People’s Film Festival returns to the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 July with another terrific line-up of film screenings for schools and families. The first weekend of public screenings kicks off on Friday 12 July with a special preview of From up on Poppy Hill, the new film from the renowned Japanese animators, Studio Ghibli, due to be released in the UK in August. It is a beautifully animated coming-of-age love story set in 1963 as Japan reinvented itself after the devastation of World War Two.
The festival selects a diverse and innovative range of films produced for young people, which would not otherwise be screened in the UK. Priority is given to films representing the lives of children from around the world and addressing issues which are pertinent to groups of young people. The festival was developed in response to the lack of culturally diverse films for young audiences being distributed in the UK other than big budget American product. The festival recognises and celebrates cultural diversity but also universality within experiences of childhood. Films from Iran, Russia, Latvia, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and France have been shown during Showcomotion. UK production for this audience is also limited particularly when compared to other European countries such as Sweden and Denmark or indeed less wealthy countries such as Iran. The festival strives to show UK films made for a young audience.
Young people are encouraged to find out about the art and craft of film making by taking part in workshops and masterclasses such as scriptwriting, film certification and screen acting. The festival’s Youth Jury scheme provides a valuable experience for young people wishing to pursue a career in the media.
In true Showco tradition, the Opening Gala will start the festival off with a bang, with a fancy dress competition and very special guests, including the Lord Mayor of Sheffield. Last year the Showroom’s Chefs rustled up a feast worthy of Willy Wonka with homemade sweets and ice cream for everyone who attended the Opening Gala. This year plans are afoot for an even more spectacular array of treats, all homemade in the Showroom kitchen.
Showroom Cinema and Workstation Creative Business Centre is based in a converted 1930’s building, located in the centre of Sheffield close to the train station. The once derelict building was acquired for redevelopment by Sheffield Media & Exhibition Centre Ltd (SMEC) in 1989 and opened in stages from 1993-1998. It is now an internationally significant cultural centre and hub for the region and a treasured independent cinema.
Tickets for the Showco Opening Gala screening of ‘From up on Poppy Hill’, along with the rest of the festival programme, will be on sale from 22 May.
To keep up with all things Showco: www.showcomotion.org.uk Follow @showcomotion on Twitter