film and literature buffs were treated to the newly-launched Bristol Literary Film Festival, held over a weekend at Henleaze’s Trinity United Reformed Church. The event, the first in the city to combine literature and film, was organised by,Anthea Page, previously director of the Newlyn International Film Festival.
Local writers and film makers came together to showcase diverse and fascinating talks, films and presentations, from the Bristol Film and Video Society presenting a selection of older films from 1935 to more recent productions, to an illustrated talk by local author, Susie Parr, on her book about Henleaze Lake. Award-winning film maker and local resident, Martin Smith, presented his series of talks, Matters of Life and Death, while the film and Q&A, Zennor Spirit of Place, followed the arrival of DH Lawrence and his wife to the Cornish village of Zennor during WW1.
Sarah Tremlett and Lucy English introduced the audience to poetry film, while former BBC Bristol director Colin Thomas revealed the secret notebooks of Thomas Hardy.
All profits from the festival went to St Peter’s Hospice.
Sophie Cullinane, the charity’s community fundraising manager, said: “Thank you so much to St Peter’s Hospice Bristol Fundraising Group for organising the Bristol Literary Film Festival, and for raising such a wonderful amount [£1,347.54]. The festival was such an exciting event, full of talent and creativity. I very much hope it will be a regular event on Bristol’s calendar. The money raised will help support our patients and their families in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. All our care is provided free of charge, but we rely on donations like this to continue to deliver our vital services.”