The North East International Film Festival (NEIFF) returns for its sixth year this November with a programme that includes a pre-UK release of the final film featuring the late Sam Neill, alongside new strands dedicated to games and screen dance.
The festival, which debuted in Newcastle in 2021 and has broadened its scope over the years, runs from November 16 to 22 at venues across the city. Organisers describe it as the most ambitious programme yet.
Sam Neill's Last Film Screens Early
The opening event at Tyneside Cinema will feature a pre-UK release of Australian black comedy fantasy The Fox, in which Neill voices the character Magpie. The New Zealand actor died suddenly in July, making this his last film. It premiered at Adelaide Film Festival last month ahead of its planned release in Australia late this November, followed by its US debut in December and a UK release early next year.
The film, which also features the voice of British star Olivia Colman as Fox, will be introduced by its director Dario Russo at the opening event. Other host venues for the run include Everyman cinema, Newcastle College – a headline sponsor this year – and Gateshead College.
Expanded Programme and New Strands
The festival's 'official selection' brings together independent films from the North East, the wider UK and around the world, including shorts, feature-length productions, documentaries, animation and experimental work. The programme also includes question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, workshops, networking opportunities and special events, culminating in an awards ceremony.
New this year is NEIFF Games, a competitive programme with three categories developed in collaboration with Gateshead College and Newcastle-based studio Acid_Gamelabs, designed to champion emerging talent. A screen dance strand, hosted in partnership with Newcastle College's Performance Academy, will showcase original work exploring movement, choreography, filmmaking and visual storytelling – described as a regional first.
Partnerships and Industry Events
NEIFF is working with the BFI local talent hub, and its links with local colleges offer students opportunities to meet filmmakers and gain practical experience. Two industry networking events are planned for November 21: a breakfast at The Vermont Hotel and an evening party at cocktail bar ChachaBuchi.
Festival founder and director Lisa-Marie Tonelli said: “We want NEIFF to be a place where audiences discover extraordinary stories, filmmakers make meaningful connections and the next generation of creative talent can see a future for themselves in the industry. This year’s programme reflects how far the festival has come and our ambition for what it can achieve.”
She added: “NEIFF is about more than watching films. It is about bringing people together, creating opportunities and helping our region take its place on the national and international creative stage.”
Tickets are on sale on the festival website, with advice to book early as some events have limited capacity.
