| Facts | Launched in 1987 and organised by Leeds City Council, the Film Festival has grown in status to become one of the most popular events of its kind in the UK. Screenings and events take place across the city - look out for the festival brochure or visit the official website for more information. |
The former Monty Python star is now a well-known film director with big-screen successes to his name such as 12 Monkeys and Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. He will be visiting Leeds on Thursday 3 November 2005 to open the Fanomenon strand of the film festival with a showing of his new film The Brothers Grimm. Another headline attraction on the opening night is Merry Christmas, one of the most talked-about European films of the year. Inspired by authentic incidents from the first year of World War I, it's a bold but traditional heart-warmer about a Christmas truce. Running from Thursday 3 - Sunday 13 November and showing over 300 films, the Leeds International Film Festival offers the largest programme of any festival in the UK including premieres, special guests and some of the finest films from across to world. Festival Director Chris Fell says: "This year's programme is one of our best ever. With so many so many exclusive screenings and special guests, there's something here for everyone." This year there are six main strands to the festival: Official Selection Some of the most talked about films of the year, from the disturbing sensation of Michael Haneke's Cannes success Hidden to the unexpected box office hit, the nature documentary March of the Penguins. In addition, nine UK premieres make up the 2005 Golden Owl Competition, a platform for new international talent. Also in this section are the shorts programmes, including the annual Louis le Prince International Short Film Competition and World Animation Prize. Fanomenon The UK's home of fantasy film brings a unique mix of horror, sci-fi and action films from around the world. A selection from the best genre filmmaking in Europe has been selected to compete for the prestigious Melies d'Argent, organised by the European Fantastic Film Festival Federation. As the only UK affiliated member of the federation, Leeds presents this esteemed competition for the first time in 2005. Film Festival Fringe The Film Festival Fringe expands notions of conventional cinema, using alternative venues from the city's vibrant bars and clubs to silent film with live organ accompaniment at the Holy Trinity Church, now a festival tradition. Found Footage Found Footage Cinema signifies a genuine alternative means for the art of filmmaking: editing and re-presenting existing footage in a new context rather than shooting new material. UK Film Week The wealth and diversity of talent that makes up the UK film industry is celebrated in UK Film Week. From established veterans of the UK scene to new emerging talent this year's selection exposes the vitality and creativity at the heart of UK directors. Retrospective: Francesco Rosi This year's archive showcase features a complete retrospective of Italian master Francesco Rosi. Rosi adapted post-war neo-realist traditions to become one of the most internationally influential political filmmakers in modern cinema. | 
