Pocket Film Festival returns, bringing film to life in Staffordshire

From Friday 19 to Sunday 28 September, the festival will deliver a variety of film shows in libraries and other community venues. This includes short films, old classics, events with live musical accompaniment, new releases and archive screenings.

Now in its eighth year, the annual event will see screenings at Baswich, Cannock and Perton libraries and venues around Stafford, including Acton Trussell Community Centre and Baswich's Holy Trinity Church.

Festival highlights include a full day of films at Baswich Library on Saturday 20 September from 11am, including a free screening of Robot Dreams for families with a free activity giveaway. Also showing is a special screening that invites people to explore Staffordshire Archive & Museum collections through objects & film, including a short film 'Tour of the Staffordshire Museum Collection Stores.' An evening show of the moving documentary 'A Bunch of Amateurs,' following the lives of an amateur filmmaking club, will also be shown.

Further events include 'Paddington' at Cannock Library at 5.30pm on 23 September and 'Kensuke's Kingdom' at 6pm at Baswich Library on 25 September.

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and enjoy entertaining films in their local library.

"Libraries are at the heart of our communities and we are always excited to bring these wonderful films to local audiences. I urge people to explore this year's programme and find something truly unique to enjoy this September."

Owen Hurcombe, Director of the Pocket Film Festival, said:

"We can't wait to bring you more film treats this year, where we will be heading to more exciting independent venues with a superb selection of films in tow.

"We look forward to welcoming people back and giving our audiences more opportunities to experience film and pop-up cinema experiences on their doorstep."

This year's Pocket Film Festival is made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show and make films in the Midlands. Additional support is provided by Staffordshire County Council and Stafford District Arts Council.

More information on the full programme and how to book your place can be found on the Pocket Film Festival website.

Watch Hayley Coles talking about the festival here.