Shahid Online – The Film Festival marks a significant milestone this year as the 2025 International English Riviera Film Festival Awards celebrates its 10th anniversary. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Torquay, welcoming filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world. Scheduled to begin at 13:00 GMT, the festival promises a day filled with screenings, awards, and discussions on the evolving landscape of the film industry.
Festival director John Tomkins reflected on the journey of the Film Festival, which started in 2015 as a small-scale event and has since expanded into a year-round program featuring workshops, screenings, and networking opportunities. “It’s been amazing, from a humble beginning using a bingo screen in a local hotel. Ten years later, we’re an international festival, and we’ve got filmmakers flying in from Los Angeles,” Tomkins said.
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Over the years, the Film Festival has gained a reputation as a launchpad for new talent, with past award winners achieving international recognition. Tomkins highlighted the growing accessibility of filmmaking, stating, “There’s a real buoyant scene of filmmakers in the South West. The price of technology has come down, so if you want to make a film, you can.”
The festival has played a crucial role in positioning the South West of England as a prime destination for filmmakers. With its picturesque landscapes and an ever-expanding network of industry professionals. The region continues to attract creative minds eager to showcase their work on a global scale.
The 2025 edition of the festival will feature several award categories, celebrating excellence across different genres. These include Best Film, Best South West Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film, and Best Music. The event will not only honor outstanding achievements. But also serve as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry.
As the Film Festival enters its second decade, it remains committed to fostering creativity. Providing opportunities for filmmakers, and reinforcing its status as a key event on the international film calendar.
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