The Manchester Film Festival has proudly announced its milestone 10th edition, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Last year’s showcase featured some huge talent in the industry, including appearances from Nicolas Cage, Timothy Spall, Gemma Arterton and Juliet Rylance. This year Manchester Film Festival (MANIFF) is set to be even bigger with the line-up including huge actors such as Guy Pearce, Martin Freeman, Kristen Stewart, and adopted Manchester local, Richard Armitage.
Taking place at the ODEON in the Great Northern Warehouse between March 15 and 24, this year’s festival totals 45 feature films from around the world, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling and cinematic artistry. Additionally, over 100 short films, including three sessions of North West Shorts showcasing local talent, will captivate audiences.
Throughout the festival, audiences can immerse themselves in a diverse selection of films that have garnered praise and accolades at prestigious film festivals including Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Sundance. The Manchester Film Festival continues its tradition of introducing cutting-edge cinema to its audience.
This celebration of cinema will feature an incredible lineup of films from across the globe, and kicking off the festival will be the UK premiere of The Convert, starring Guy Pearce.
The Convert is directed by Lee Tamahori and tells the story of a preacher who arrives at a British settlement in 1830s New Zealand. His violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes.
Highlights include Sometimes I Think About Dying, La Chimera, Disco Boy, and The Boy In The Woods, starring Richard Armitage − who is set to attend the festival in person. Also presented will be ITV’s a new restoration of the 1978 version of The 39 Steps, starring Robert Powell.
The closing night promises to be a cinematic treat with the screening of the latest Rose Glass film, Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kirsten Stewart, Katy O’Brian and Ed Harris. Love Lies Bleeding sees Stewart star as Lou, a reclusive gym manager who falls hard for Jackie (O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder who’s heading to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love soon leads to violence as they get pulled deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
This year’s documentary selection includes We Dare To Dream, the latest film from For Sama director Waad Al-Kateab. The festival is also proud to present four world premieres of UK films including:
UK and world premiere highlights at Manchester Film Festival include:
- The Trap marks the directorial debut of Lena Headey − Michelle is a broken woman, shut off to the world. Then Joe, a damaged young man, arrives at Michelle’s fortress of solitude and brings her back to life, but all is not as it seems (UK premiere);
- Of God’s Men follows a Muslim man as he draws closer to God, but when he is forced to live with his disruptive brother, his new-found belief is tested (world premiere);
- Straight Through Crew brings student-day nostalgia as group of friends prepare to attend a village rave. However, dynamics are challenged when substances and feelings collide (world premiere);
- The Can chronicles what should have been another quiet night at work as it descends into a gruelling test as Joe, an unstable, disillusioned security guard, is shut inside a shipping container and must untangle a web of lies in a race against the clock to save a life (world premiere);
- and Die Before You Die, in which a hot-headed influencer finds himself trapped six feet underground after an internet challenge goes dramatically wrong (world premiere).
Film enthusiasts can secure their seats now, as tickets and passes are on sale − see more and save with a Full Festival Pass, giving you the best seats in the house for just £1.97 per screening − find tickets here.
The festival offers five and 10 film passes, providing flexibility for attendees to enjoy multiple films with friends or family. The Manchester Film Festival stands at the forefront of celebrating cinema’s diverse and vibrant spirit, and the 10th edition promises to be a cinematic feast for all.
So, roll out the red carpet for the big names in comedies, dramas, romances and some of the best new independent features, and get down to the ODEON Great Northern next week to find your new favourite film. Find the full official selection for 2024 here.