The UK's largest rural film festival is set to return to Malvern in March.

The Borderlines Film Festival, supported by the BFI, the National Lottery, the Elmley Foundation, and Hereford City Council, is to take place from Friday, 1 to Sunday, March 17.

The event, hosted by Malvern alongside venues in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and the Marches, will feature the screenings of 68 films.

 

 

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It will also include previews, new releases, and Oscar and BAFTA contenders such as 'All of Us Strangers', 'The Zone of Interest', 'American Fiction', and 'Anatomy of a Fall'.

A particular highlight is a preview of 'Orlando, My Political Biography' will be screened, a French film that explores transgender and non-binary identities and contemporary life.

The preview is set for Saturday, March 2 at 5:30pm, followed by a panel discussion and a student-made zine, discussing the issues raised in the film.

The festival will also host the Open Screen strand, currently in its sixth year.

The project, backed by community media professionals, will present films submitted by filmmakers throughout the region.

The festival will present an award at the Open Screen event for the first time, showcasing films from the region.

The winner, who will be judged on creativity, storytelling and technical ability, will receive a brand new iPad when the award is presented on the afternoon of Sunday, March 3.

'The Mire Archive' will also be screened, featuring the tribulations of an archaeology professor navigating personal turmoil.

The film, supported by Ffilm Cymru, and funds from the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales, will have screenings as well as an introduction and Q&A on Wednesday 6 and Saturday, March 9 at Malvern Theatres.

Other special events include Razom/Together's premiere, a project fueled by the collaboration of young people from the counties and Ukraine, which will be presented by The Rural Media Charity.

This event, on Wednesday, March 6, will also feature stories by the Leominster’s Fetch Theatre, with a second viewing on Saturday, March 16 at 4pm due to high demand.

Tickets can be obtained via the Festival's website or by calling The Courtyard Hereford on 01432 340555.