Over four days independent high-quality films from across the globe were showcased at venues throughout the North East region of England culminating in a closing award ceremony recognised by global film legends such as Willem Dafoe, Abel Ferrera and Caroline Goodall. Grateful audiences had been able to indulge in the best films that mainstreams cinemas rarely if ever, show.
Did Jacqui and the NIFF team deliver on her dream? Well the answer is simply ‘no’ - she over-delivered on that now distant announcement. NIFF has already established collaborative links to the Indian Film Industry, received plaudits from across the world of film and formed a production company with an integrated and locally based support network employing people with immense talent.
NIFF now moves into its second year. The foundation is as solid as the hearts and souls of the ‘Geordie’ nation and those from the North East of England. It has shown it acts with honesty, integrity and transparency and so I implore all readers take a trip to this event in 2019 and treat your eyes, ears and hearts to the best of global independent film. You will not be disappointed.
Rosie Fellner
Apple Yang
Jill Halfpenny
Denise Welch
Kierston Wareing