Draft:North East International Film Festival

The North East International Film Festival (NEIFF) is an annual film festival based in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Established in 2020 by Lisa-Marie Tonelli, NEIFF was conceived as a diverse, inclusive, and innovative platform for filmmakers from around the world, while also showcasing the unique cinematic landscape and talent of the North East of England.

History

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The creation of NEIFF was driven by Lisa-Marie Tonelli's extensive experience as a freelance film producer and her recognition of the absence of a major international film festival in the North East. The festival was launched during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its inaugural edition held entirely in-person in 2021, despite certain restrictions still being in place. Despite these challenges, NEIFF quickly gained attention for its strong emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and innovation. The festival's programming goes beyond traditional categories, with special sections such as LGBTQ+ films and the VisABLE category, which focuses on disability representation in all its forms.

In a notable achievement, NEIFF became the first film festival to be awarded the Raising Films Ribbon, which recognizes its commitment to supporting filmmakers with caregiving responsibilities. This award highlights the festival's dedication to creating a family-friendly and flexible working environment for its team.[1]

BIFA and IMDb qualifying status

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NEIFF has further solidified its position in the film industry by becoming the youngest ever BIFA-qualifying festival. This prestigious recognition allows films screened at NEIFF to be eligible for consideration in BIFA's (British Independent Film Awards) awards categories in both feature and short films, providing a significant platform for filmmakers to gain wider recognition. Additionally, NEIFF's Founder and Director is also a full BAFTA and BIFA voting member.[2]

Festival structure and programming

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NEIFF typically takes place over seven days in November, utilizing various iconic venues across Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding areas, including the Star & Shadow Cinema and Everyman Cinema. The festival's programme is a rich blend of film screenings, educational workshops, practical skills training, networking events, special Q&A sessions with industry professionals, and a glamorous awards gala.

Key components

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  • Screenings: The festival showcases a diverse selection of films from across the globe, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations. Special screenings of award-winning films, often followed by Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, are a highlight of the event.
  • Workshops: NEIFF offers free educational workshops designed for both filmmakers and film enthusiasts. These workshops cover various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to production techniques, and are aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation of the art of cinema.
  • Networking Events: The festival hosts VIP networking events, providing a platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to connect and explore potential collaborations. These events are integral to NEIFF's mission of building a supportive community for filmmakers.
  • Awards Ceremony: The festival culminates in an awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding achievements across a range of categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and special awards such as the F-Rated and VisABLE awards. These accolades celebrate the diversity and creativity of filmmakers from around the world.

Commitment to inclusivity

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NEIFF is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and representation. The festival is one of approximately 80 worldwide to adopt the F-Rating, a system that highlights films that are written or directed by women, or that feature significant female characters. NEIFF has also partnered with the BBC's 50:50 Equality Project, further emphasizing its dedication to gender equality and diverse representation within the film industry.[3]

Impact and recognition

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Despite being a relatively new entrant in the film festival circuit, NEIFF has rapidly gained recognition for its impact and influence. The festival has been shortlisted for prestigious awards, including the Northern Power Women Awards 2024 and the Film Society of the Year Awards, and BAFTA's For The Love Of Film, reflecting its growing reputation and the significant strides it has made in promoting diversity and innovation in cinema.

Future prospects

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As NEIFF continues to grow, it remains committed to expanding its reach while staying true to its core values of inclusivity, diversity, and innovation. The festival is focused on enhancing its programming and expanding its international collaborations, with the aim of establishing Newcastle and the North East as a vibrant hub for global cinema. Future editions of the festival are expected to introduce new categories and partnerships, further solidifying NEIFF's position on the international film festival map.

References

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  1. ^ "Raising NEIFF website". Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  2. ^ "BIFA Qualifying Festivals" (PDF). BIFA. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  3. ^ "FilmFreeway". Retrieved 12 August 2024.
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