Film Feast Suffolk line up is unveiled by renowned British film director

The full programme for a festival celebrating film and locally sourced food and drink has been unveiled by an Oscar nominated director.

The second Film Feast Suffolk festival will be held from October 4-7 featuring films, documentaries and short films from around the world, being screened in 13 venues across the county.

Film Feast patron Mike Leigh, who has been nominated for seven Oscars and was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in 2015, launched the festival programme on Tuesday, July 30, with a screening of two of his films and a Q&A session at The Riverside Theatre and Restaurant in Woodbridge.

He said: “It was a great honour to launch this year’s Film Feast Suffolk at the Riverside, and I’m delighted that the inspired Neil McGlone chose Nuts in May for the screening.

“And how splendid to showcase British cinema alongside a celebration of locally sourced food and drink!”
Audiences were treated to screenings of Nuts in May from 1976 and short film, A Light Snack, from 1982.
To mark the launch, The Riverside designed a special three-course menu inspired by the camping theme of the film, Nuts in May.

Dishes included chargrilled chicken pitta pockets with tomato salsa and tzatziki, chargrilled whole seabream with braised cous cous, cherry tomato and burnt lemon and banoffee marshmallow camping cake.

Neil McGlone, Film Feast Festival director, said: “To have our patron, Mike Leigh, launch our Film Feast Suffolk 2019 programme to a full house at The Riverside was just incredible.

“He spoke to the audience about his illustrious career as a writer and director in both film and theatre which has spanned more than five decades.

“Everyone knows a Mike Leigh film, whether it is Abigail’s Party or Life is Sweet, so it was a privilege to have him in Woodbridge.”

This year’s festival, which is set to be bigger and better than ever, is being sponsored by the East of England Co-op.

Oli Watts, Head of Communications and Community at the East of England Co-op, said: “As the largest independent retailer in East Anglia, we are passionate about promoting the wonderful food and drink produced here on our doorstep. Film Feast Suffolk is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on local producers and businesses whilst bringing communities together.” 

Films set to be screened as part of the festival include Matilda, Chocolat, Blade Runner, Brooklyn and When Harry Met Sally.

The opening night of Film Feast Suffolk will be held on Friday, October 4, at Jimmy’s Farm in Wherstead, with a screening of Back to the Future and a two-course meal based on the film.

The kitchen staff will be recreating some American 1950s style classics with sharing platters of cheeseburgers, chilli dogs, buffalo chicken wings with chips and slaw, followed by waffle, banana, chocolate sauce and ice cream. A vegan option will also be available.

Tickets cost £25 and are available via www.jimmysfarm.com/event/film-feast-night/

The full programme of events and information on how to buy tickets is available online at www.filmfeast.co.uk