Independent Cinema Hosts East of England Film Festival

The Abbeygate Cinema, based in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, has announced that it will organize a film festival from August 22nd to September 10th. The festival will celebrate the East of England, showcasing films inspired by, set in, or celebrating the region.

Festival Highlights

Highlights of the festival include a presentation of Netflix’s "The Dig", which follows the history of the archaeological Sutton Hoo digs and was shot in the county. There will also be a lecture by dialect coach Charlie Haylock, who worked on the film and will offer insights behind the scenes. The independent filmmaker Tim Curtis, based in Suffolk, will also talk to guests as part of the festival.

Films Showcased

Other films on the lineup include "Yesterday", "The Rainbow Jacket", which was partly filmed on the Newmarket RaceCourse, and "A Cock and Bull Story", which was filmed in Norfolk’s Felbrigg Hall. Norfolk’s own Alan Partridge will also be shown, with the "Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa" film.

Inspiration Behind the Festival

The cinema was inspired to organize the festival after earlier screenings with local connections had been positively received by the audience. General Manager Gareth Boggis said, "If we show local films or films with a very local connection, they’ve always done really well, and I think there’s this kind of interest and intrigue to see the place you live presented on film."

Festival Goals

Mr. Boggis said the festival aims to be a "real celebration of the region" and hopes to help people learn something about East Anglia. He added, "It’s not about making money for us, it’s about hopefully people will come and see a few films or a few events and speakers and learn something, but talk and have more than anything else."

Ticket Information

Tickets for the festival cost £10 for an adult, £8 for concessions, £8 for a young adult (15-24 years), £5 for a child, and £5 for members. The festival promises to be a unique and exciting celebration of the East of England, and tickets are sure to sell quickly.