The film line-up for Cornerhouse’s ¡Viva! Spanish Film Festival will take on the views of Manchester teenagers to gain the ‘valuable perspective’ of a younger audience.
The 20th annual film festival will take place between March 7 and March 23 next year, however members of the theatre’s Livewire programme, made up of 14 to 19 year olds, will become integral in the line-up announcement.
It is only the second time the programme, which gives teenagers the chance to get involved in the film industry, will be involved in the decision.
Jessie Gibbs, Festival Co-Coordinator, said: “We feel that they contribute a valuable perspective from our younger audience.
“We also see it as an important way of inspiring young people to get involved in the industry, and of attracting a younger audience to the festival.”
Marisa Draper, Head of Engagement, added: “Not only will they get the opportunity to see what’s involved behind the scenes, but they will make contacts with people across the city and gain a real understanding of film festival programming which we hope will help them in their future careers.”
Ms Gibbs explained that the arduous task of choosing films has already begun and involves drawing up a list of around 100 recent titles from film festivals worldwide, articles in industry publications and personal recommendations from the team at Cornerhouse.
“We strive to deliver new and exciting cinema from across the Spanish-speaking world, which audiences in Manchester would otherwise have limited or no access to,” Ms Gibbs added.
Other contributors to the line-up are film specialists, Spanish language academics and members of ¡Viva! collaborator Instituto Cervantes in Deansgate.
Cornerhouse have kept details about special surprises for the 20th Anniversary under wraps and are not due to make any more announcements until December.
If you would like any further details about ¡Viva! Film Festival please call 0161 200 1529.
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