Leeds Young People's Film Festival Gets a Visit from the Weasleys (12/03/2010)
A visit by popular children's author Cressida Cowell and the rare chance to see all the Harry Potter films back-to-back on the big screen have been revealed as two of the highlights of this year's Leeds Young People's Film Festival. Chris Rankin who plays Percy Weasley will also make a special guest appearance as part of Harry Potter day on Monday 05 April.
Leeds Young People's Film Festival, now in its 11th year, runs from Monday 29 March - Friday 09 April at the Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds.
With a range of screenings, special guests and workshops, the festival opens with the premiere of the new DreamWorks animated adventure HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (left) on Wednesday 31 March.
The film is set in the mythical world of Vikings and centres around a teenager named Hiccup and what happens to him when he takes part in training to be a warrior and slay dragons. This is the first of the eight ‘Hiccup' books to be turned into a film and the author, Cressida Cowell, will be making a special appearance at the screening to introduce the film, talk about her career and sign copies of her work.
Fans of HARRY POTTER should also flock to the festival on Monday 05 April as from 10am to 10pm the day will see the first four films in the series shown back-to-back. With the final instalment due out at the end of the year, this will be the perfect way to refresh the memory as to the story so far. Harry Potter day will also feature aguest appearance by Chris Rankin who plays Percy Weasley, while in order to create the magic of Hogwarts fans are encouraged to go along in fancy dress with prizes for the best-dressed wizard!
Other events during the festival include Eco Day on Friday 02 April which will see a day of films, talks and events about protecting the environment, while the best young new filmmaking talent in the UK will be on show at the National Young Filmmakers Award to be held on Saturday 03 April.
Aside from the screenings, there will also be a variety of workshops looking at all aspects of film being held in the Film Academy in Leeds Town Hall and in the Central Library.
Director of Leeds Young People's Film Festival Debbie Maturi said:
"For any young film fans the 11th Leeds Young People's Film Festival is sure to be an unmissable event. As well as an incredible line-up of screenings and special events at our host venue, the Hyde Park Picture House, we'll also be presenting free workshops and welcoming more film guests and industry professionals to the festival than ever before."
Full details of the festival programme are now available at www.leedsyoungfilm.com. To request a brochure about screenings and workshops please send your details to lucy.zarbal@leeds.gov.uk. Advance tickets can also be booked by calling the Box Office on 0113 224 3801.
Leeds Young People's Film Festival is supported by Screen Yorkshire through RIFE Lottery funding.
