A Bridgerton star is set to visit Blackburn this weekend as part of a film festival.
Blackburn is rolling out the red carpet this weekend for its first Blackburn Festival of Film (BFoF), a free two-day celebration of film and the creatives behind filmmaking.
Taking place on July 5 and 6 at REEL Cinema, the festival is headed by Blackburn-born film directors The Bashford Twins, Liam and Kyle Bashford, alongside Richard McKenny of Blackburn Film Academy (BFA).
Emily Barber
“We were born in Blackburn and have worked in the film industry for over 20 years,” said The Bashford twins.
“It’s an incredible feeling to bring this festival to our hometown and inspire the next generation of filmmakers right here where it all started for us.”
Highlights of the weekend include a visit from actress Emily Barber, who plays Tessa in Bridgerton and Alice in Mobland.
There will also be a special screening of Escape From Pretoria starring Daniel Radcliffe, followed by a Q&A with producer Mark Blaney and director Francis Annan.
Liam and Kyle Bashford at the Cannes Film Festival
Award-winning sound mixer Nigel Albermaniche, who worked alongside Scarlett Johansson on Under The Skin, will also be sharing some insider insights into the craft.
Alongside screenings and Q&As, attendees can access hands-on workshops covering everything from sound design to cinematography.
The festival also hosts an exciting short film competition with professional and student categories, spotlighting emerging talent across the region with an awards ceremony and networking opportunities.
Liam and Kyle will also be hosting a panel, inviting audience members to ask them about their careers in filmmaking.
The twins began directing short horror films shot locally before landing jobs at Pinewood Studios, a British film and television studio, and recently co-produced the Indian action thriller Bloodline, which was screened in cinemas across India and premiered at Cannes Film Festival.
They added: “We wanted to be involved in the Blackburn Festival of Film because we want to showcase talent in the town where we grew up.
“Lancashire is home to so many amazing, talented artists, directors, actors, and producers, and events like these are ideal for encouraging more people to try their hand at film.
“We are delighted to be involved in the Blackburn Festival of Film and hope that it will become an annual event.
“There needs to be more done to celebrate film and filmmakers in the North West.”
The weekend will also premiere two films funded by the Blackburn Film Fund, which awarded £2,000 grants to local filmmakers.
Richard McKenny, of the BFA, highlighted the achievements of two of his students whose short films were selected at the festival.
He said: “We worked with Ajay Taylor-Mullen and Dylan Nursimooloo throughout their two years of study.
“To see them develop those higher-level skills – the technical skills, the creative side, storytelling – has been wonderful.
“They have done really well with their films, and we are really proud to have these two talented Blackburn College students representing the college and the film department in the final of the first ever Blackburn Festival of Film.”
The Blackburn Festival of Film is part of the Blackburn Festival of Making and Blackburn Film Academy, reflecting the town’s commitment to creativity, opportunity, and cultural growth.
Blackburn Festival of Film schedule
Saturday
11am – 11.45am
Blackburn Film Academy and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) have partnered to present a special screening of two short films and a short documentary series, created in collaboration with Blackburn Rovers, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their league win.
12.15pm – 13.30pm
Blackburn Film Fund premiere with Q&A: Come and enjoy two short films funded by the Blackburn Film Fund: Night Cap by Jack Hartley and Vance Jones by Beth Rowland and Paddy Rowan. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers joined by Richard McKenny from Blackburn Film Academy.
2.15pm – 3.30pm
Join us for a special talk in the cinema with Nigel Albermaniche (Under The Skin, Becoming Led Zeppelin) as he offers an insight into the world of sound in film. The session will be followed by a hands-on workshop in the foyer.
4pm – 7pm
Escape From Pretoria screening with Q&A: Grab your popcorn and join us for a special screening of Escape from Pretoria, the gripping thriller based on a true story. After the film, stay for an exclusive Q&A with producer Mark Blaney and writer/director Francis Annan, as they share behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this powerful and suspenseful film.
7pm – 10pm
Film networking evening: Celebrate the close of this year’s festival at the film networking evening taking place after the awards ceremony. This is your chance to connect with filmmakers, writers, producers, and creatives from across the industry in a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, share ideas, or simply expand your network, it’s the perfect way to end the festival on a high and spark conversations that could lead to your next big project.
