Each year throughout November, Bath comes alive with a variety of fantastic films for the viewing public to enjoy on the silver screen. FilmBath began from humble beginnings almost 30 years ago, when the Bath Film Society screened a handful of French films, to such a success that they made a profit. Lifted by the outcome, three men came together to approach three local cinemas with the premise of a film festival to be held in the city and from then the seedling was born.
From then on their mission has been to champion and showcase diversity on-screen and behind the camera to a widely inclusive audience. Over the years, locations have since multiplied and industry names have offered patronage to the cause, causing distributors to recognise the festival as a great outlet for previews of their forthcoming projects.
This year the festival is due to host 37 feature films, including 23 previews, with a further 46 short films and is proud to be celebrating the F-rating for women, with 59% of films featuring female director and a further 13 directed, written by and starring women. Major previews this year feature stars such as Jon Hamm, Liam Neeson, Lesley Manville and Bill Nighy, alongside a host of excellent newcomers in a wide range of political epics, emotional dramas, enlightening documentaries and zombie comedies; many tipped to win at the Toronto, the Oscars and Cannes. 24 different countries are represented in the programme, with Africa, Asia, Europe and South America highlighted through the stellar line-up.
As part of the eclectic line-up of screenings, workshops and events, FilmBath also play host to the annual IMDb Awards featuring five intriguing short films, with a winner chosen by a panel of industry expert judges. The awards help to reward emerging talent across areas such as scriptwriting, film-making and composition, with the winner of the IMDb Script to Screen Award also broadcasting its world premiere.
Pop-Up Screenings are also held to allow hard to reach areas and low-income communities across Bath and North East Somerset to enjoy popular films. FilmBath receives great feedback from audience members, volunteers and local businesses who support their initiatives. If you would like to keep up to date with news and updates from FilmBath then you can sign up to their newsletter here.
