Harrogate Film Festival's new pledge to fans for its return next year

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Organiser Adam Chandler is preparing for every eventuality to ensure the ten-day event takes place, effectively planning for both an 'in person' festival and a 'digital only' - or even a mix.

Although the pandemic situation is unpredictable, the festival's managing director has already announced its ever-growing independent filmmakers’ competition and annual workshops will be back for 2021 available both online – and if Government guidelines at the time allows – safely in person.

Firm decisions on at least ten additional events in the pipeline will be made nearer the start date of next year's HFF which begins on March 5, 2021.

Once again this independent festival, which last year brought film legends including director Ken Loach, actor Brian Blessed and music filmmaker Tony Palmer to Harrogate for sold out 'in conversation' events, is backed by partners Raworths Solicitors, Leeds Beckett University’s Northern Film School and Everyman Cinemas.

One thing is for sure, the global independent filmmaker’s competition, recently voted as one of the “Top 100 worldwide” by filmmakers, has ten screenings on offer, including short films with Drama, Comedy, Horror, Romance and Documentary all on the bill.

With over 500 submissions from 70 countries submitted this year alone, HFF expects the competition to be eagerly anticipated among film lovers as it showcases the next generation of talent across the globe.

Adam Chandler, managing director of the Festival said, “New cinema has been hard to come by over the last few months, so we’re delighted to be able to bring new independent cinema to Harrogate once again in March – both online and hopefully socially distanced in person.”

“We also have a raft of new and exciting events to announce soon.

"I’d also like to thank all our partners for supporting us again in 2021 – it’s been a challenging year for everyone - we can’t wait to bring you something a little bit different.”

Since it first launched in 2016, Harrogate Film Festival has grown rapidly, aiming to captivate the residents and filmmakers of Harrogate and surrounding areas by offering innovative events and opportunities which aim to engage and develop audiences with new cinema experiences, film education, interactive events and competitions.

Next year's HFF is also welcoming back its workshops for children from animation storyboarding to sound design which will be available online if they cannot be held in person.

The festival is also delighted to be working again with partners including Raworths Solicitors, Leeds Beckett University’s Northern Film School, Everyman Cinemas and many more to develop community engagement initiatives, events and education.

Annabelle Pangborn, Head of Subject at Leeds Beckett University and Director of the Northern Film School, said: “We are thrilled to once again work in partnership with The Harrogate Film Festival following last year’s success.

The partnership has already proved to be a wonderful platform for budding filmmakers to exhibit the latest in innovation across the industry as well as network with industry professionals.

“It’s also a great opportunity for us to showcase the talent here at the Northern Film School as we continue to help develop filmmakers of the future.”

The partnership, now in its second year, comes just as the university is due to open its new £80 million-pound Leeds School of Arts development in the heart of the city where the Northern Film School will be housed.

Zoe Robinson, Managing Partner at Raworths Solicitors said “Raworths is proud to continue its sponsorship of Harrogate Film Festival and be part of next year’s festival, especially following the extremely challenging year for everyone.

"This wonderful festival continues to go from strength to strength and the 2021 festival promises to be a real treat with a varied programme of independent new cinema and exciting experiences, all adapted to restrictions at the time.”

Dates for the 2021 Festival are Friday, March 5 to Sunday, March 14, making up a ten-day event once again.

Tickets for events will be going on sale soon with many more events yet to be announced.

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