An international film festival is set to return to Bolton for its eighth edition.

Bolton International Film Festival will return to the town from Wednesday, October 2, to Sunday, October 6.

Sponsored by the council, the festival will showcase 300 short films, including 34 world premieres, 10 European, and 61 national premieres.

The event will take place at The Light Cinema in Bolton. After each screening, ticketholders will have the opportunity to participation in question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, and to engage with an industry programme featuring insights from highly respected figures in the film and television industry.

A free pop-up cinema will also appear at Market Place Shopping Centre in the KUDOS gallery.

The festival, which is BAFTA and BIFA accredited, will feature a special headline event with Oscar winners Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton, who return to Bolton to host ‘The Slick Films Pitch’ – a live competition where five film teams will pitch their projects to a panel of industry experts for the chance to win £10,000.

Speakers at this year’s festival include Sundance-winning documentary filmmaker Sean McAllister, British film and TV editor Mick Audsley, producer Jack Thomas-O’Brien, director Laura Carreira, and more.

Tickets, which cost £8.50, can be bought on the festival’s website. A range of passes can also be purchased, with the full festival costing £50. Weekday passes cost £40, while a day pass will set you back £20. A long weekend pass costs £35. Online passes are also available for £20.

Bolton-born writer and director Michael Patrick Clarkson also features in the festival this year, with his directorial debut and world premiere of Upholstergeist - a comedy/horror shot at Rivington Barn.

Mr Clarkson said: “Bolton has always been one of my creative playgrounds, so it made sense to shoot my debut short here surrounded by things that inspire me – and it’s so wonderful to have it premiere at BFF.

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“Upholstergeist was made with a lot of love by a lot of talented people – the finished product is as beautiful as it is ridiculous.”

Another local connection is with the Bolton homeless charity, Emmaus, who will be featuring a short film, ‘An Introduction to Emmaus North West’, which will air free of charge at a special screening of community films, shown in Market Place Shopping Centre from 1.20pm to 2.50pm on Saturday, October 5.

Bolton Film Festival director Adrian Barber said: “It’s wonderful to be heading back to The Light Cinema for our eighth edition, we’re proud to be putting on a strong programme for the region in what has been a tough year for arts organisations.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work to get the festival across the line this year which wouldn’t have been possible without our funders and sponsors.

“This year’s line-up brings exceptional films from all around the world to Bolton, spotlighting the next generation of emerging talent in what must be our strongest line up yet.

“Audiences can look forward to an exciting array of films, including selections from prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, Sundance, SXSW, and Annecy, as well as numerous premieres of our own starting out on their festival journey.”

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Executive cabinet member for culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said: “The council is proud to support Bolton International Film Festival, a significant cultural event which serves and highlights local creative talent.

“While continuing with our regeneration programme and now being named Town of Culture, the event plays a major role in attracting more people and businesses to the town.

“This network of creatives also has fantastic objectives for the industry and region, supporting local artists, education organisations, and the community.

“Bolton is also known for being a successful film location, bringing both big names and major investment to our town, as well as having recently organised successful TV and film tours for the public.

“We’re excited that this year welcomes another treat of artistic talent and entertainment for the town that we encourage everyone to take advantage of as there really is something for everyone.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.