Summer season for North East’s CURIOUS film experiences gets underway

A curiosity-themed film season is set to showcase a number of projects at independent cinemas across the UK.

Comedian Joe Lycett launched the Film Feels: Curious piece, which was made possible with National Lottery funding and a Screen Heritage partnership programme, Changing Times.

A total of 27 projects have been funded across all regions of the UK, and two North East-based cinemas are set to take part.

The Star and Shadow Cinema is one of two cinemas in the region taking part in the CURIOUS experiences, with the DIY space offering its location to the season.

Those wanting to catch a screening or two can still attend The Forum Cinema, an independent cinema based in Hexham.

Northumberland’s only full-time independent cinema is hosting two screenings, with A Touch of Zen from director King Hu showing on July 19 and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screening on July 26.

Manon Euler, Major Programmes Manager at Film Hub Midlands, said: “With CURIOUS, we wanted to take audiences out of the ordinary and down the wonderful rabbit hole of cinema, with intriguing, exciting film programmes that will stimulate the mind and the senses and allow everyone to (re)connect with their wondrous selves.

“There’s absolutely no doubt that these projects will deliver exactly that, with both in-person and virtual options.

“We’ve been so impressed by the imagination that has gone into the creation of such a varied and intriguing season by programmers at all levels of experience, including young people. We can’t wait to hear what audiences think.”

This year’s theme was chosen as a way to bring people and their experiences together as they recover from the worst of the pandemic.

Screen Heritage Producer Andy Robson said: “Inspired by our theme and our collective experience of multiple lockdowns, which gave many a new awareness of our communities as well as the wider world around us, this year’s programmers are helping us to both better understand the unfamiliar, and seek solutions.

“Through film’s ability to transport us, illuminate ideas and spark conversation, we can recognise things we may have missed or never considered before, and find new passions together.”