Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce has confirmed it is to sponsor the inaugural Inverclyde Film Festival, bring held at the Waterfront Cinema in Greenock from 13-15 March 2020.

The Cinema is aiming for the festival to become an annual event for many years to come. This first edition has support from Regional Screen Scotland’s Local Film Challenge Fund to develop the concept of, build interest for and plan the format of a new local Inverclyde film festival.

The festival programme has been put together by John Cunningham, the General Manager of West Coast Cinemas, with support from Kat Boyle who is the Inverclyde Arts Coordinator based at CVS Inverclyde.

The festival is taking inspiration from Event Scotland’s ‘Year of Coast and Waters 2020’ and showcases local heritage and films created in Inverclyde, including ‘Sweet Sixteen’.

The Cinema has delved deep into the Scottish Screen Archives for some local gems which aim to bring back fond memories of years gone by.

IFF Programme

The programme includes two classics (Meet Me in St Louis and The Magnificent Ambersons) which provides a rare chance to see them on the big screen, as intended.

The Cinema will also provide free activities across Inverclyde during the festival. On Friday 13th March it has ‘Going to the Pictures – A history of cinema in Inverclyde’ and a Film/TV Creative Industries Panel Discussion with some of the most cutting-edge names working in Scotland.

On Saturday 14th March, award-winning playwright and Bafta-nominated screenwriter, Danny McCahon will host an ‘Ideas into action: the elements of screenwriting’ workshop.

Not forgetting something for all the family, Sunday 15th March will offer a once in a lifetime activity, using pieces on cinema screens, people can draw and colour your favourite scene, character or film poster.

Marketing materials created by Carys Knox of West Coast Cinemas, deliver fun and vibrant colour schemes and a modern logo as a tribute to Inverclyde’s heritage.

To download the Inverclyde Film Festival Programme, click here.

Funding: Regional Screen Scotland

Festival Sponsors: Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and Holt Leisure Parks/Kip Marina 

Partners: Waterfront Cinema | CVS Inverclyde | Beacon Arts Centre | West College Scotland | Watt Institute | Inverclyde Council