Film Festival Aims to Bridge Gaps Between Racial, Ethnic, Political and Religious Groups in the UK

Manchester: October 29, 2009, (PCTV Newsdesk)

With the resurgence of a focus on racial issues, the increase in fundamentalist religious beliefs and the rising popularity of extremist political parties in the UK, one group intends to act as a forum for community cohesion, encouraging understanding of the faiths that surround us.

Film-makers from all religions and none have submitted works to a unique film festival that combines to present a diverse and dynamic portrait of how we view faith in 2009.

Entries this year for the Insight Film Festival have come from as far afield as Taiwan and include titles such as 'Turbanology after 7/7', 'Bride and Gloom', and 'Leap of Faith' -- which explores the phenomenon of 'parkour' (free-running or leaping from building to building).

The winner of the only multi-faith film festival in the UK will receive £1,000GBP ($1,600USD), and their entry will be screened in Brazil as well as viewed by top professionals.

The festival will also provide an opportunity to debate, question and challenge issues concerning faith, media, portrayal and diversity during the special 'Judges Seminar' that is taking place at 3:00pm on Nov.18.

Among the panel of judges are Aaquil Ahmed (Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC), Tina Gharavi (successful Iranian/American film-maker and screenwriter) and Liz Rymer (award-winning screenwriter and producer).

"We are especially pleased to be piloting an innovative new project with the North Manchester Community Cultural Regeneration project," said a spokesperson for film director John Forrest.

She added: "A number of North Manchester residents have been partnered with undergraduate film students from Manchester University to make films exploring their stories in line with the INSIGHT objectives. It is hoped that the project will spread to other areas in future years and make a further contribution to community understanding."

The Insight Film Festival takes place Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Zion Arts Centre, Hulme, Manchester, UK.