Stafford welcomes return of Pocket Film Festival

Film fans from across Staffordshire are preparing to welcome this year’s Stafford Pocket Film Festival when it returns to the town on Tuesday 12 September.

Now in its sixth year, the festival will give audiences the chance to engage with film through a variety of cinematic treats, including short films, old classics, events with live musical accompaniment, new releases and archive screenings.

This year’s highlights include a curated programme of short films inspired by poetry and spoken word, hosted by Staffordshire Poet Laureate Dawn Jutton at Rising Brook Library on Wednesday 13 September. A screening of ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou’, with a pre film performance by banjo virtuoso Dan Walsh will take place at Candid Beer, on Friday 15 September. Plus the welcome return of Meg Morley, who this year will be performing live piano accompaniment to celebrate the 95th anniversary of ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall on Sunday 17 September.

Stafford Library will also be joining the celebrations with a screening of the Midlands Archive for Central England’s guide to the Midlands from 12noon each day of the festival. Delving into the archives, the short films will include the customs and traditions of the region, from the rough and tumble of Ashbourne’s famous Shrovetide football to the ancient oddity that is the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance.

Being supported by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts service, the annual event will give audiences the chance to visit many independent and community venues, helping connect people through film.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “Once again, we’re thrilled to be supporting and taking part in this year’s Pocket Film Festival and it’s great that our libraries are getting involved. The festival not only gives audiences the chance to watch some classic films in wonderful venues but also gives people access to new arts and cultural experiences. I’d urge people to put the dates in their diary and check the festival website for further details.”

Pocket Film Festival Director, Owen Hurcombe said: “We are so excited to be back in Stafford for 2023, where we will be heading to more exciting independent venues with a superb selection of films in tow. We look forward to welcoming people back and giving our audiences more opportunities to experience film and pop-up cinema experiences on their doorstep.”

The Pocket Film Festival 2023 is made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show, and make films in the Midlands. This year the festival is also proud to be supported by Staffordshire County Council and Stafford District Arts Council.

Further information is available on Pocket Film Festival website.