NEIFF 2024: new cultural venues and events announced for November festival

The North East International Film Festival (NEIFF) is set to make a return this November, featuring new events and an expanded reach that includes the North Shields Cultural Quarter, which will join existing venues in and around Newcastle. Filmmakers are urged to submit their entries before the extended deadline of 30th September, as the festival gears up for its most inclusive and dynamic edition yet.

The NEIFF is set to return from 18th to 24th November 2024, promising an extraordinary celebration of film, culture, and creativity. This year’s festival will feature a series of new and expanded events, including a special focus on the North Shields Cultural Quarter as a new location alongside existing venues in and around Newcastle. With the submission deadline extended to 30th September, filmmakers from around the world still have the opportunity to participate in what is shaping up to be the most inclusive and expansive NEIFF to date.

The NEIFF has seen a significant rise in its profile over recent years, becoming a qualifying festival for British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) feature films, in addition to its existing qualifying status for BIFA shorts. “This year, we also received two recognition awards at the Cinema For All Awards,” says Festival Director Lisa-Marie Tonelli. “As an entirely volunteer-led CIC, we rely solely on grants, sponsorship, and funding to deliver our events. The support we’ve received through our matched crowdfunding campaign has been incredibly humbling.”

In an exciting development for 2024, the NEIFF is expanding its geographical reach, thanks to support and funding from the North East Combined Authority. This year, screenings and events will take place across various venues in the heart of the North Shields Cultural Quarter. “This provides more cultural offerings in an area that was perhaps previously under-represented in the arts,” notes Tonelli. “It’s an opportunity for filmmakers and audiences to explore more of our wonderful region, ensuring wider accessibility for all.”

As the festival continues to grow, so too does its impact on the North East region. “The NEIFF is a core component of wider and more inclusive film exhibition,” says Tonelli. “Through our festival, filmmakers are immediately offered online distribution opportunities, and we connect audiences with filmmakers through in-person Q&A sessions and a diverse programme of shorts and features.”

The NEIFF is also dedicated to fostering the next generation of filmmakers. “We’ve strengthened our student offer in collaboration with university and college partners,” adds Tonelli, with the expectation that student attendance could see a 70% increase this year.

For filmmakers, the extended submission deadline of September 30th offers a final chance to be part of this prestigious festival. “We pride ourselves on our thorough, fair, honest, and transparent submissions and selection process,” says Tonelli. “Our diverse pool of screeners is currently reviewing submissions, and we’re excited to announce the complete screening schedule later in October.”

The festival is renowned for its unique approach, including an awards gala that offers a full three-course dinner, table wine, and custom-made trophies, with NEIFF covering the cost of attendance for one filmmaker from each officially selected film. “It’s important to us that our filmmakers are properly celebrated for their achievements,” Tonelli explains.

This year’s festival introduces several new elements designed to enhance the experience for attendees and participants. Among the highlights is the Industry Networking Breakfast, an additional networking event set to complement the ever-popular Networking Party on the eve of Friday, November 22nd. “This really is a night to remember,” says Tonelli, “and the new breakfast event will offer even more opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect.”

In a move to engage both cinephiles and casual attendees, the NEIFF will also debut its first-ever Film & TV Quiz. Open to everyone and hosted in a beautiful bar by the Quay on Saturday, November 23rd, the quiz will feature cash prizes and bar tabs. “It’s a fun, inclusive way to bring the community together,” adds Tonelli.

The festival will continue to offer its highly regarded free Documentary Filmmaking Course, alongside other workshops, Q&A sessions, special screenings, and the glamorous Awards Gala, making NEIFF 2024 a must-attend event for film lovers and industry insiders alike.

With an anticipated 30% growth in overall attendance, NEIFF 2024 is set to be a landmark year. The festival not only continues to elevate the North East as a cultural and creative hub but also offers filmmakers a unique platform to showcase their work on an international stage.