The Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival has launched its third festival.
At the first two festivals guests and VIPs from around the globe enjoyed what the organisers hope will become one of the biggest multiplatform festivals in the UK.
Last year there was an increase in the number of screenings, events, visitors and sponsors on the inaugural year. The event also continued to involve local young people in film making projects.
Set at Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour, the location of multiple TV and film productions, the third festival will show new works and help promote filmmakers and cultural awareness. High profile industry professionals will lead an international programme of events and seminars to complement the screenings.
The festival has gained a reputation for screening high quality films and taking care of their film-makers. Patron, the BAFTA, Globe and Cannes Best Actress and Oscar-nominated Brenda Blethyn, will again select the winner of First Feature Film Category. A bronze anchor is awarded to the best film. Other prizes include the Brenda Blethyn special award for best first feature.
Former Thanet council director of community services,Rob Kenyon, has joined the festival board of directors as chairman.
He is already working on the third festival, which will take place June 13-16, 2019.
He said: “The Isle has seen an 84% growth in creative businesses over four years, including a 160% growth in film and TV businesses. Combined with the country’s fastest growing tourist economy and a booming location for film and media shoots, we believe that Ramsgate and the Isle of Thanet is ideally placed to host a thriving independent film festival.”
The festival is now open for submissions, including new categories for web TV series and music videos. Submissions can be made at the Filmfreeway website: https://filmfreeway.com/RamsgateInternationalFilmTVFestival
The team is holding a free industry launch and networking event on Wednesday June 27 from 8pm-9.30pm at The Falstaff Hotel for film, TV, media, marketing and communications professionals.
If you’d like to attend for an early bird insight into the festival, a chance to shape the event’s future for 2019-2023, hear about all opportunities and meet and network with other local professionals, you can reserve your place on Eventbrite or through the festival’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ramsgateiftvfest