Ignite Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for another year in Marlborough

Marlborough’s popular film festival recently returned for another exciting instalment, presenting a diverse range of films from all over the world.

The team behind Newbury’s Box Film Festival, which began in 2013, are disbanding their festival, citing venue issues and fewer entries. But if a lesson can be learnt from its demise, it is the need for local councils, businesses and residents to actively support local film festivals to ensure their survival.

And one promising young festival is making its mark on Marlborough’s cultural scene — but needs more community support to keep growing.

The Ignite Film Festival, now in its third year, returned to Marlborough’s state of the art The Parade Cinema — a converted historic chapel — from June 19 to 24, concluding with an awards gala.

And what a show it put on!

This year, the festival team condensed more than 300 local, national and international entries to 64 short and feature films, screened across the five nights.

The quality of the selections remained strong and showcased a broad range of genres, styles and experience.

While too numerous to mention, some notable entries included the American feature film Into the Spotlight, winner of the Best Documentary award.

The heartfelt story follows a group of people with learning difficulties as they put on a public theatre performance from scratch.

The viewer soon gains a clear sense of each unique individual personality and a healthy dose of humour helps to balance the more poignant moments of tragedy.

Larry Lamb, of Gavin & Stacey fame, turns in an intimidating performance as an aging London gangster looking to make amends for past misdeeds in Old Windows, directed by Bristolian filmmaker, Paul Holbrook.

The film was the proud recipient of the Best Screenplay award.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of Marlborough Nicholas Fogg, who formerly ran Marlborough Jazz Festival, said: “I think it’s brilliant. We’re privileged to have this here.

“I'll do my best to get it known.”

Festival co-founder, Billy Rees, spoke about how the festival started three years ago.

"The gap between independent films and mainstream films is closing rapidly in terms of quality,” he said.

"I could see a lot about the festival industry I wasn't too keen on and the festival I was working for, as good as it was, I felt there were improvements to be made.”

So Mr Rees, an experienced festival director, teamed up with long-time collaborators, Ross and Amelia Mackenzie, co-owners of Swindon-based film production company, Firebird Films.

The trio initially approached Rockley Manor in Marlborough with a view to setting up an outdoor festival.

But the lingering impact of the pandemic on the film industry led them to host the festival online instead.

Last year, they found their new home at the refurbished The Parade Cinema.

“Part of having this cinema here is they want to champion independent film,” added Mr Rees.

But running a new local film festival isn’t without its challenges.

"Getting people to come is a major thing, not everyone knows a lot about indie film, so it's a big ask for people to come and spend three hours watching short films they have never heard of.

“You're asking people to take a leap of faith on something and part with their money at the same time.

"But the people who do come love it. Then those people tell other people.

"We've noticed growth year on year with submissions. We’re trying to grow the submissions, and the more we get, the more we can spend on making it amazing."

Mr Rees said next year’s edition may include a revised format and length, and an application to become a BIFA (British Independent Film Award) qualifying festival.

Visit https://www.igniteff.com/2023-official-selections/ to view all of this year’s official selections.

Submissions for 2024 will open shortly.

That’s a wrap for now.

Other upcoming film festivals to look out for include:

Swindon Independent Film Festival, July 25 to 29, Artsite Complex, founded in 2018. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/swindon-independent-film-festival-2023-2311349 to book tickets.

Exit 6 Film Festival, September 23, Vue Cinema Basingstoke, founded in 2016. Tickets coming soon.