Lancaster International Film Festival receives record number of entries

A record number of films have been submitted for the fourth annual Lancaster International Film Festival.

The celebration of international films, organised by Totally Local Lancaster in collaboration with Cinemaitaliano, will run from March 6 to 8 in the city.

A panel of judges will rate the films, to be screened at the Gregson Centre, ahead of an awards night at Lancaster Town Hall.

Once again, Morecambe actor and Netflix star Lisa O'Hare will be the festival ambassador.

Lisa was in the original London production of Mary Poppins and went on to play the lead role on the West End and in the USA. Her other musical theatre credits include Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and the title role in Gigi.

She has played many roles on prime time American television and streaming services, including in the fantasy drama series 'The Sandman' on Netflix, in the role of Clarice, and as the Pilgrim World guide Arlene in the number one rated Netflix hit Addams Family spin-off 'Wednesday'.

Lisa said she was "thrilled" to be the festival ambassador and "looked forward to seeing all of the wonderful talent on display and celebrating everyone’s unique and creative work".

Bruno Buccelli, festival director, said: “Lancaster and Morecambe have such a rich history of being featured on TV and in film, making the area the perfect place to host an international film festival.

“As well as being a landmark cultural event, the festival will boost the area’s economy at a time when it needs it most.”

Screenings of films will take place on March 6 and 7, and the awards ceremony is on March 8.

The festival launched last night with an event at Take 2 Cinema, Lancaster University.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are available HERE.