The Plymouth Film Festival was founded in 2013 by Plymouth University graduates William Jenkins and Ben Hancock, and the inaugural event held in May 2014 at the Plymouth Arts Centre was well received by both film fans and film makers from the South West and further afield. The event surpassed all expectations in terms of interest, receiving over 400 entrants from over 30 countries, and attracting an audience filling over two thirds of the seats in the Plymouth Arts Centre’s luxury cinema during the four screenings (even more impressive when you consider it was the hottest, sunniest day of the year to that point). In addition to the international element we also had a South West category that drew many great films from Plymouth and the surrounding region.

32 of the films were selected for screening over the course of a day and 6 awards were presented during the evening’s ceremony and social event to the winning film makers, along with £1350 in prize money. The response has given us a great confidence that what we are creating is of value and interest, and that there is great potential in future iterations of the event.

Download 2014 Programme

Photographs courtesy of Andy Robinson, Anna Navas & Jim Elton.

Born to be Mild – Andy Oxley

Timothy – Marc Martínez Jordán

Dos Caras (Two Face) – Francisco Bendomir

Born to be Mild – Andy Oxley

Dos Caras (Two Face) – Francisco Bendomir

IAN HAY

With over 10 years experience as a freelance director and producer Ian has racked up some impressive credits for the BBC and Channel 4. His talent and adaptability has led him to work on a diverse range of shows from The Valleys to Crimewatch, and drama tie ins for hit shows such as Doctor Who, Merlin, Being Human, and Sherlock.

BEN HANCOCK

Co-founder of the Plymouth Film Festival, Ben recently graduated with a first class honours degree from Plymouth University and has gone on to set up his own award winning production company specialising in fiction film.

WILLIAM JENKINS

Festival founder and award winning filmmaker William graduated with first class honours in media arts from Plymouth University before co-founding his own production company.

JOHN SEALEY

With a masters in European Cinema and PhD Film by Practice, Johns cinematic knowledge is unquestionable. His love of film has led him from lecturing to create his own production house where he aims to help talented young filmmakers realise their potential

ANNA NAVAS

A film studies graduate with over 15 years experience as a Film Programmer for Plymouth Arts Centre, Anna’s love for film and keen involvement in community projects has led to her founding and supporting numerous local initiatives promoting art house cinema, grassroots filmmaking and local artists.

2014 Plymouth Film Festival was supported by: