British & Irish Film Season

Educational Outreach Programme
- Following the success of the Young Journalist Competition held for the first time in 2013, and the immensely positive reaction of schools, two screenings have been scheduled early on Friday evenings with school students in mind. The films chosen here include the biopic Noble which contains a strong inspirational message about the life and work of Christina Noble who helps street children in Vietnam, and also the romantic comedy What If, starring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame.
Shooting Stars Programme
- The BIFS predominately screens films from independent production companies. While many are feature established cast and crew, some are first-time films by film school graduates, and others are produced from within film schools themselves. Sometimes these involve young actors, directors, producers, script writers, etc., who are taking their first step in their film careers and who will make it big. These we call Shooting Stars.
Shorts Programme
- Last year we featured a Shorts Programme, screened consecutively in one screening session. This year, we are trying something different, by selecting a small number of shorts, mainly animated as well as one drama from the Isle of Man, in Manx Gaelic (sub-titled in English). This will give the season-going public an opportunity to see short films without attending a special screening.
Documentary Day
- In 2013 we held our first Documentary Day which featured one documentary and one docudrama. While this year’s programme features a biopic (Noble) and a mockumentary (The Light of Day), the “lead” documentary (A Dangerous Game) is set in the world of golf resorts and features locals and environmentalists opposing Donald Trump’s plans in different countries. The screening is scheduled to take place during the Ryder Cup week-end, for just after the competition has been decided.
Young Journalist Competition
- Following the great success of the Young Journalist Competition at BIFS 2013, the event is being organised again this year. This is a fantastic opportunity for English language students to apply classroom theory in a practical and fun way, while at the same time enjoying the best of British & Irish cinema.
- Any student of English may enter and there will be a number of prizes for different categories. Participants may write and submit a review of any film screened during the BIFS 2014 programme up to and including Friday 3 October. Reviews should be 400 words maximum in length and be on one A4 sheet, in either Ms Word or PDF format.
- Participants can send their reviews to the BIFS team (admin@bifilmseason.lu), clearly marked “BIFS Young Journalist Competition” by midnight on Friday 3 October, and including the entrant’s name, age, educational establishment, email address, mobile phone number and category (see list) at the bottom.
- The winners will be invited to attend the Closing Screening on Tuesday 7 October 2014, at which the prizes will be awarded.
- Prize Categories
  - (a) Secondary school pupils (English mother-tongue)
  - (b) Secondary school pupils (non-English mother-tongue)
  - (c) University students (Film Studies & English Literature)
  - (d) Language school students
Audience Award
- The Audience Award at the British & Irish Film Season 2014 is an opportunity for the cinema-going public to be directly involved in the event.
- This will apply for all films being screened, apart from the closing Screening, therefore ensuring that all films are included in the competition. Those attending each screening may vote on that film, with the most popular (winning) film announced at the Closing Screening on Tuesday 7 October 2014.
- In addition, one of the voting slips will be drawn after the penultimate screening, with the winner invited to attend the Closing Screening on 7 October, at which he/she will be presented with a Luxair voucher for 2 return flight tickets to London/Dublin*.
- * if the winner is unable to attend the Closing Screening in person, another winner will be drawn.
Special Guests
- Following the great success over the past couple of years with the attendance of film professionals (actors, directors, producers and script-writers) attending the screenings of their films at BIFS 2012, and particularly BIFS 2013, directly resulted in a surge in attendance.
- This year, BIFS 2014 will see a number of industry professionals attend in person, as well as by live video streaming, to participate in post-screening Q&A sessions, increasing the cinema-goer’s experience.
- At the time of going to print, these are not yet confirmed, but the organisers are expecting these to include for the following films: A Dangerous Game; A Practical Guide to a Spectacular Suicide; An Bronntanas; Castles in the Sky; Noble; Poison Pen; The Light of Day, and possibly more…
Industry Masterclass
- An Industry Masterclass will be held during BIFS 2014 with attendance restricted to those working in the film production industry in Luxembourg. In conjunction with Film Fund Luxembourg, this Industry Masterclass will address one specific aspect of film production, either in front of or behind the camera. The leader of the Industry Masterclass will be a Special Guest attending the screening of one of the films during BIFS 2014.
BIFS Dinner
- A Dinner will be held during the BIFS 2014 which will be attended by a Special Guest(s) and will be open to the public to attend. Details will be published when confirmed.
Volunteers
- The British & Irish Film Season 2014 would not be possible without the sterling work of a group of volunteers, including festival expert Eibh Collins from Ireland who has been working behind the scenes in the lead-up to the festival and will be attending the first week. Anyone interested in volunteering at screenings should contact Eibh at admin@bifilmseason.lu.
Groups / Special Outings
- For clubs, associations and companies wishing to attend as a group (20 or more), please contact the organisers (tel: 661-250007 or email: admin@bifilmseason.lu) to block-book tickets in order to avoid disappointment on the evening.