The inaugural Chippenham Film Festival has concluded, and what an incredible debut it was! Running from the 11th to the 17th of November, 2024, the festival showcased a curated selection of films at the Reel Cinema. Organised by the Chippenham Film Club, the festival proved to be a resounding success, showcasing an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed classics and contemporary gems.
A Stellar Lineup of Films
The festival began on Monday, 11th November, with a screening of Spike Jonze’s futuristic romance, Her. This thought-provoking exploration of love and technology captivated the audience with its poignant storytelling and brilliant performances.
The mood shifted to suspense and folk horror on Wednesday, the 13th, as Robin Hardy’s iconic The Wicker Man (1973) took centre stage. The haunting tale of Sergeant Howie’s investigation into a remote island community was a welcome return to the big screen, reminding many of the countless films influenced by this classic.
The film was followed by a Q&A with film podcasters The Evolution of Horror, who discussed the legacy of the original Wicker Man, recommended other folk horror films from around the world, and remarked on the iconic career of Sir Christopher Lee, including some stories from behind the scenes from the making of the film, such as the fact that he acted in the film for free purely due to the love of the script, because the studio couldn’t afford him.
On Friday, the 15th, the festival continued with Joyland, Saim Sadiq’s powerful Pakistani drama. An international film closer in style to the films usually screened at the regular monthly Chippenham Film Club screenings. Audiences were deeply moved by its exploration of love, gender, and societal expectations.
On Saturday 16th, Film Club members and festival fans met for lunch and some drinks at the Rivo Lounge, to emotionally prepare for one of the best films of 2024, All Of Us Strangers. The film starring only four brilliant British actors (Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Claire Foy & Jamie Bell) explores themes of love, loss, and the lingering impact of the past, blending reality with fantasy to create a haunting, emotional journey.
The festival concluded on Sunday 17th with Little Miss Sunshine, the heartfelt and humorous road trip story that had the crowd laughing, crying, and cheering for the quirky Hoover family.
“Everything seemed to click. The choice of films, the venue were very accommodating and
friendly, and the club members/organisers were amazing!”
The Prince of Wales pub opened specially for the Festival wrap party after the final film.
The post-film discussions were a particular hit, giving audience members the opportunity to share their thoughts and engage in meaningful conversations about the themes, performances, and storytelling of each film. These discussions became a key part of the festival experience, enriching the appreciation of the films and fostering a sense of community among attendees.
A Promising Start for Chippenham’s Cultural Scene
The success of the Chippenham Film Festival’s first edition marks an exciting moment for the town’s cultural landscape. In the post-festival survey, 90% of respondents praised the variety of films, appreciating the mix of classics, contemporary hits, and foreign language gems.
85% of attendees rated the organisation highly, citing well-coordinated schedules, accommodating venues, and helpful volunteers.
“Loved it – already looking forward to next year!”
“Firstly, organising Chippenham Film Club’s first Film Festival was an ambitious undertaking in itself. The festival was well-organised with a thoughtful choice of films. The T-shirts to publicise the event and as a memento was a nice touch. The social events were an enjoyable
opportunity to meet and celebrate Film Club.”
As the organizers look ahead to future editions, there is no doubt that the Chippenham Film Festival has established itself as a key date in the town’s cultural calendar. With this promising start, the festival is set to grow and thrive, offering even more to film enthusiasts in the years to come.
Thank you to everyone who attended the first ever Chippenham Film Festival.
See you next year!