140 FILMS FROM 40+ COUNTRIES AS NORTH EAST LAUNCHES NEW INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Gateshead International Film Festival (GIFF) will take place over three days, 16–18 July 2027, bringing regional filmmaking talent together with local and international cinema for a unique cultural weekend in the North East.

Months ahead of its inaugural event, GIFF has already attracted over 140 film submissions from more than 40 countries worldwide, putting Gateshead and the North East firmly on the international filmmaking map.

The inaugural film festival is the concept of ANBOC Ltd (A New Breed of Cinema), a film company born on the banks of the River Tyne, and has been organised and planned by festival programmer and award-winning writer and director Catarina De Cèzanne, North East actor and writer Steve Wraith and celebrated producer and filmmaker Neil Jackson.

At the heart of GIFF is a commitment to creating opportunities for North East filmmakers. Film submissions from the North East are free of charge, giving emerging and established regional filmmakers the opportunity to have their work considered alongside films arriving in Gateshead from across the world.

Steve Wraith said: “As a trio we bring a unique blend of rounded experience in the film industry and film festival programming. We will be delivering a unique film festival weekend event with the eyes of the world on the North East and we are keen to partner with sponsors.”

Wraith continued: “The focus is on emerging and experienced filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences across our home region for a range of screenings, workshops and community events. We want to showcase fresh North East voices and talent alongside international independent cinema. The arena is open to everyone.”

Screenings will take place at Vue Gateshead, with industry panels and workshops hosted at Gateway Studio CIO on Gateshead High Street.

Steve Wraith continued; “Selected filmmakers who attend the festival will also have the opportunity to do a Q&A at the Vue after their screening.”

The film festival is set to launch at The Hilton Gateshead with a champagne reception and the glamorous Closing & Awards Ceremony will be held at the historic St. Mary’s Heritage Centre in Tyne & Wear.

Submissions will be accepted via FilmFreeway. Alongside free entry for North East films, GIFF aims to provide filmmakers with opportunities extending beyond the screen through industry education, workshops, networking, audience engagement and access to experienced film professionals.

The festival will particularly encourage young and emerging filmmakers to develop connections, learn more about the industry and showcase their work, helping to create pathways for the next generation of North East filmmaking talent.

GIFF also has a longer-term five-year vision to grow the festival into one of the North East’s major cultural events, with the potential to develop from its inaugural three-day format into a week-long international film festival and become an established fixture in the UK film festival calendar.

By bringing filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from outside the region into Gateshead, the festival also aims to raise the profile of the North East as a destination for independent cinema, creativity and filmmaking while creating new connections between regional talent and the international film community.

Selected filmmakers will also receive free festival access upon confirmation by the deadline.

The programme will include:

● International and North East film screenings
● Regional showcases
● Industry panels and workshops
● Free outdoor cinema
● Networking events and audience Q&As

Venues:

● Vue Gateshead (Trinity Square): Main screening venue offering a high-quality cinema experience
● Gateway Studio CIO: Workshops, panels and networking sessions
● The Festival Bus (Trinity Square): Free outdoor screenings, trailers and open submissions for films, music videos, experimental work and works-in-progress
● St. Mary’s Heritage Centre: Closing ceremony and awards night

Leading independent filmmaker, screenwriter and script supervisor Catarina De Cèzanne said:

“As a filmmaker, I understand how important it is to have a space to express and share your art, find your tribe, connect with an audience and foster meaningful collaborations for future projects. I also understand how important it is to make it affordable, open and accessible for artists of all backgrounds and experiences.

“I envision our festival to operate like a creative hub for artists, and be more than just an entertaining event where we screen good films. I want to provide a unique learning and personal experience for people to come back every year, with new surprises beyond our film programme. I hope this festival can help filmmakers achieve their career goals, align with their marketing strategies and inspire them to meet each other and create new films.”

Film entries:
https://filmfreeway.com/GatesheadInternationalFilmFestival