International Short Film Festival returns to Delph for third year
The Sahar International Short Film Festival will bring an exciting array of films to the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph for a third year this month.
Many submissions were received from short film makers from across the world and 36 films have been selected, from countries including Iran, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, USA, Canada, Venezuela, India and Singapore.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer, and the Mayoress Mrs Sobia Arshi will open the 3rd Sahar International Short Film Festival on Saturday, June 24 at 11am.
Then there will be screening sessions throughout the day, divided according to genres of drama, animation, documentary, experimental, psycho and horror.
At 2pm, the Competition section features film premieres by new and emerging talent, and the audience will vote to select the ‘best film’ in the competition.
There will be a tribute to great film maker Abbas Kiarostami, who died last year, starting with his poetry accompanied by live music at 5.30pm.
There will also be online talks by the prestigious and courageous filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who has been banned from directing and writing screenplay in Iran for 20 years, and other close friends of Kiarostami.
Festival Director and Saddleworth film maker Mandana Ansari, who lives in Lees, launched the Festival in 2015 with Martin Gleeson.
She said: “The Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, and if the time of the festival is in the right season it can attract a better audience to enjoy the event.
“This is an inspirational opportunity for lovers of art to expand their experience and network, and from the other side to support emerging and talented film makers.”
Martin added: “The Festival experience will be enhanced by a range of different art forms taking place between the sessions.”
Among these are fine dance performances by Lees based Jet-Studios Performing Arts Group, who will treat the audience to a variety of dance styles with a cinematic theme.
There will be an educational presentation and discussion led by BAFTA award winner John Crumpton, and an exhibition of film posters and Mandana Ansari’s photography in the Art Gallery of the building.
The Saddleworth Filmmaker emphasizes this festival is an inspirational opportunity for lovers of art and cinema to expand their experience and network.
Admission to the Festival is £5 on the door, and the films are suitable for age 15 years and above. To book tickets and for more information visit the Festival website.
