Museum begins countdown to first film festival
An award-winning heritage and cultural attraction in Newcastle-under-Lyme is taking part in a popular film festival for the first time.
The council’s Brampton Museum is staging three film events during this month’s Pocket Film Festival.
The 10-day annual festival, based in Stafford, features a packed programme of cinematic treats and unique film experiences – including short films, old classics, events with live musical accompaniment, new releases and archive screenings – at an increasing number of venues across Staffordshire from 20 to 29 September.
The highlight in Newcastle is a special 100th anniversary screening of Harold Lloyd’s 1924 silent comedy “Hot Water” – on Saturday, 28 September at 7pm – which will be complemented by live music by musician Meg Morley in a spontaneous style that was common in the early days of cinema.
Hot Water features three episodes in the life of Hubby (Lloyd) as he struggles with domestic life with Wifey (Jobyna Ralston) and his in-laws. It’s the only film where Harold played a married man, as he felt that being a single person chasing a romantic interest had more comic value. Ticket prices range from £6 to £12.
Earlier on the same day, at 2pm, “At the Pictures” – produced by Staffordshire film-maker Ray Johnson – takes a look at the evolution of local cinemas over the past century, featuring the Roxy, Rex/Rio and Picturedrome in Newcastle. There is a selection of film trailers, cinema adverts, interviews, photographs and rare archive footage which brings to life the days when it was a real treat to be “at the pictures”. Admission is £5 per person.
Tickets for all three film festival events taking place at the Brampton Museum are available to purchase here.
Cllr. Craig Skelding, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said:
The borough council is thrilled to be involved in the Pocket Film Festival for the first time. The Brampton Museum is delivering an increasing range of high quality events, activities and experiences – reaching new audiences – so we are looking forward to trying something new like this.
The Pocket Film Festival has been running for a number of years now and has gained a great reputation. The events with live music accompaniment are especially wonderful, and really atmospheric, so film fanatics in the borough are definitely in for a treat. There is something for everyone.”
Meanwhile, the museum is hosting a drop-in event for families on Saturday, 21 September from 2pm to 4pm. “Little Toys, Big Adventures!” is a short film programme where toys and games take centre stage. A kite brings a boy and his grandfather closer together, a knitted toy dinosaur lives an epic adventure and the characters from the delightful series “A Town Called Panic” go back to school.
A fun activity, inspired by toys and games, will be provided by local artist Ruth Allen. Visitors can also discover the museum’s amazing toy collection – a fantastic display of teddies, dolls and games up to 150 years old. This session costs £2 per child, with free admission for parents and guardians.
Pocket Film Festival activities have been made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. More information about the wider festival is available on their website.