Celebrating the wealth and diversity of filmmaking talent in Norfolk, the first BBC Film Festival, supported by The Forum Trust, begins on Monday 12th October in Fusion at The Forum.

Responding to a call-out to filmmakers, over 40 people from across the county sent in films in the hope that they will be included in the showcase. The films focus on three key themes: people, places and everyday life and includes work by people of all ages, both amateur and professional.

Films last anything from half an hour to one minute and tackle the themes in a variety of original and inspiring ways: time lapse of a chair on a balcony; a children’s film about the history of Caley’s chocolate; retirement; everyday possessions; and a BBC Voices film made over two years showing the re-building of Norwich Market are just some.

Measuring 24 meters, Fusion is a fantastic canvas for the festival and can show up to 3 films at a time using special overhead sound-showers. The audience simply positions themselves for the film they wish to watch and the sound belonging to that film is directed from overhead. There are also some compelling silent films in the programme.

The BBC East newsreader Jim Cassidy has also made his first film, choosing the village of Reedham as his chosen subject for the film festival.

The BBC Norfolk Film Festival has been co-ordinated by the BBC Voices team, Gary Standley and Wendy Witham, based at The Forum. Gary say’s “There are many people making their own films these days, but they don’t always have the opportunity to have their work seen by the public. This is a fantastic chance for them to get their work out there in a place which is perfect for the medium and is also free for everyone to come along and see”.

The BBC Voices team runs a series of free filmmaking courses for the general public. "Film is now such a part of daily life, at home, in schools and in the workplace, that people want to try it out and learn more," said Gary. "We have had a huge demand for our sessions. Some people who come along have never made a film before, but want to have a go. For others, they have bought a camera and want to get the best out of it."

The BBC Norfolk Film Festival runs from Monday 12th to Saturday 24th October 2009 and is free to view.

Following on from the BBC Norfolk Film Festival, a similar call-out to filmmakers is being made for contributors of the BBC’s Children & Young People’s Film Festival, to take place in Fusion in July 2010. A night for schools will be held on 19th October this year, where this festival will also launch. If you are from a school interested in attending and/or contributing, please contact Gary Standley at .

Fusion at The Forum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm and is FREE to visit. BBC Voices is based at The Forum. To learn more about their courses please visit bbc.co.uk/voices/Norfolk/2005 or drop in and see them during your visit to The Norfolk Film Festival.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Kelly Turner
The Forum Trust, 2 Millennium Plain, Norwich
DDI: 01603 727980 or Email: