The summer festival season kicks off early for film enthusiasts, with a newly launched film festival taking place at Hyde Park Picture House on Sunday 2nd June. Impact is a non-profit film festival which showcases the talents of young documentary makers from the United Kingdom and beyond. Festival founder Ryan Curtis has always had a passion for film, especially the documentary genre, and through Impact Film he aims to ‘support the future of this genre and be a small part of its development, whilst supporting young people who could well be the next big thing in documentary filmmaking.’
In its second year of running, Ryan’s team have already confirmed judges and secured guest speakers from the film industry, and the event looks set to exceed expectations. Impact Film Festival will be hosting the live Leeds-based Latin tinged jazz/funk 5-piece band ‘Gordy and Fleur’, who promise to keep audiences entertained during the intervals. Last year’s festival entries ranged from documentaries on Leeds Children’s Circus and skateboarding, to the work of a tapestry artist and the value of marriage in Leeds; Ryan commented that a highlight of the festival is getting ‘to explore the topics these young people think are important and exciting.’
In spite of the funding cuts to the arts, Ryan says ‘there has always and will always be a lot of funding pots for young people. I consider myself lucky to be in this age group’. In its first year Impact film was funded by somewhereto_, who jumped at the chance to ‘support a creative person with ambition’ and this year the festival has been similarly funded by the o2 think Big project. It promises to be ‘an event where you get a lot for your money and everyone can have a relaxed, interesting and eventful Sunday afternoon, with some crisp cider in the intervals!’
With rain pelting from the Yorkshire skies, the UK festival season will kick of in traditional inclement fashion. So, don’t rush off to Glastonbury’s muddy fields just yet. Instead visit www.impactfilmfest.co.uk and grab a ticket for £5 at impactfilm2013.eventbrite.com. Alternatively turn up on the door for £5, slurp some cider and show your support for young filmmakers in Leeds!
Charlotte Duffield