Clear your diary – Bank Holiday weekend of August 25th – 27th is going to be out of this world as STARBURST holds its International Film Festival once more. Held in Manchester, tickets are on sale now at a special price for a limited time only.

Last year was a blast, as everybody who attended will confirm. We’re planning another fantastic line-up this year, with our first confirmed film being Redwood, which we covered in the magazine a few months back. The director Tom Paton (Pandorica) and star Mike Beckingham (who just so happens to be Simon Pegg’s brother) will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions. Check out the trailer below!

This is just the tip of the iceberg as we await confirmation of other screenings and appearances.

As part of the main programme, filmmakers from around the world are submitting their films via FilmFreeway. Continuing our support of embracing the strange and supporting independent cinema, the selected films will be eligible for the prestigious STARBURST Fantasy Awards, which close the weekend on Sunday evening. Check out the video showcasing last year’s winners:

In 2016, we hosted such luminaries as famed James Bond director John Glen, actors Virginia Hey, Caroline Munro, and Martine Beswick as well as themed events on Doctor Who, Dredd, Red Dwarf, Inside No 9 and much more.

As well as film screenings, there will be plenty of industry-specific events throughout the amazing venue, with three floors to explore and numerous fringe panels, Q&A sessions, and much more. We had great feedback on the networking potential for filmmakers, and fully expect the same to be true this year.

The STARBURST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL takes place from Friday, August 25th to Sunday, August 27th, 2017 at the Manchester Metropolitan University Student Union Complex, not far from the heart of the city centre, and with easy access to all major transport links.