GFF // Part 2: Second Course

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“Welcome to the feast!” proclaim the Glasgow Film Festival’s organisers. And what a feast it is; now in its sixth year, it has grown from its humble beginnings to become one of the largest festivals in the UK, with over 200 screenings spread over eight venues across the city. The GFF prides itself as a festival for the people, with no private screenings for industry types. It is also not uncommon to be sitting beside the director or leading actor of the film you are watching; this rare intimacy and community atmosphere are at the hub of the GFT and the GFF.

To retain such a characteristic must be difficult for the festival organisers, considering its growing status and popularity (more than 28,000 visitors in 2009). Screen Shrapnel spoke to co-director of the GFF, Allison Gardener about curating such a festival, and we get an insight into some of the special events and guests planned for the coming week.

We also spoke to Rosie and Matt from The Magic Lantern, about the pain and pleasure of sifting through hundreds of short films, and how important the Shorts Film Festival is for the film-making community in Scotland.

Screen Shrapnel in association with the Glasgow Film Festival // image from the GFF press launch

Posted at 21:20, 20th February 2010