The full line-up for the 2021 Hebden Bridge Film Festival has been announced. Tickets for the festival, taking place online from 19-21 March 2021, are now on sale. 

The festival will present a programme of world cinema, UK and US independent features and shorts, as well Q&A’s and panel discussions with filmmakers. 

There will be two UK premiers and a world premiere as part of the line-up. 

A Film Lover pass provides access to all films and related events over the weekend. Individual passes are also available. 

More details are available on www.hebdenbridgefilmfestival.org. 

Louise Wadley, Hebden Bridge Film Festival Director said:

“We are delighted to present a truly diverse line of fantastic films online. During this time that we can’t yet get together, we can still enjoy stories from around the world. So wherever you are in the UK, please do join us and help make the 2021 Hebden Bridge Film Festival a true celebration of filmmaking and the power of storytelling. We have two UK premieres, a world premier and a host of films showcasing new talent and fresh perspectives.”

Hebden Bridge Film Festival is encouraging those attending to join watch parties and online discussions to chat about the films being show and the issues raised. Full details of how to join in the conversation are available on their website

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Films this year include:

Harami (UK premiere)

• A modern Oliver Twist set in bustling Mumbai, Harami tells the story of a teenage pickpocket who develops a conscience after one of his targets commits suicide.
• Presented in partnership with Bradford Literary Festival.
• Official Selection New Currents Competition, BUSAN International film festival
• Director Shyam Madiraju will be in conversation with Syima Aslam Director of Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) who said “Hirami is fantastic story and a wonderful love letter to the city of Mumbai. BLF are delighted to be partnering with Hebden Bridge Film Festival on this exciting event, continuing our mission of sharing unexpected stories that encourage important intercultural dialogue.” 

Beloved (UK premiere)

• The film follows Firouzeh, an 82-year-old cow herder high in the Alborz Mountains of Iran.
• Winner of six international awards.
• A co-presentaton with The Middle East Institute, SOAS.
• Director Yaser Talabi will be in conversation with Narguess Fazard Chair, Centre for Iranian Studies.

Veni Etiam (I Shall Come Again) – (World premiere) 

• Directed by Alex Hai.
• This intriguing short reveals a secret Venice from the perspective of one of the most famous Gondoliers in the city.

Lunana: a yak in the classroom

• A reluctant young teacher is sent to the most remote school in Bhutan where despite a lack of even the most basic facilities, he learns to love the children in his school.
• Multiple award winner including Best Narrative Feature Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Wildfire 

• A missing woman returns home, igniting an intense bond with her sister. United they unearth their mother’s past but the truth has devastating consequences.
• Award winner and Sundance Nominee, director Cathy Brady’s powerful drama explores the impact of the Trouble’s on one family. 
• The film stars, Danika McGuigan, who died in July 2019 after a short illness. The daughter of Boxing champion Barry McGuigan. Cathy Brady said ‘”Hopefully it will have a legacy now and a legacy especially for Nika.”

Children of the Sea

• One summer vacation, teenage Ruka meets two boys, “Umi” and “Sora”, whose upbringing contains strange and wonderful secrets. 
• Mainichi Film Awards 2020 – Best Animation Film

The Man Who Could Fly 

• Eighty-something farmer Bobby Coote has always wanted to fly. He’s determined to make his dream come true. Even if it’s the last thing he does. 
• Audience Award IFI Documentary Festival.