Proud to be part of the inaugural NEIFF
Published March 29, 2024
The North East International Film Festival is in full flow, and we are proud to have been a part of a great new event from the ground level.
Launching any public event in the current climate is a massive challenge, and indeed the inaugural NEIFF was planned for 2020, but Festival Director Lisa-Marie Tonelli and the dedicated team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to make sure there is an opportunity for filmmakers to have a showcase in the North East.
This week’s screenings, events and workshops are a culmination of more than 2 years of hard work, and the opening event a screening of “The First Year” and a Q&A with the subject of the documentary North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll and the film’s director Ian McDonald was proof positive that it was all worth it.
Personally, I have been involved as both a designer and a judge – producing both the festival branding and the website. Having the honour to watch a wide range of local and international submissions from a new generation of talent I found uplifting – there is a world of talented creators out there that just need a platform to show what they can do.
Filmmakers have a new heading, and it’s North East – we look forward to closing awards ceremony, and can’t wait to see everyone again next year.