The internationally renowned Queen’s Film Theatre is set to host a month-long series of films

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The internationally renowned Queen’s Film Theatre is set to host a month-long series of films and events to celebrate its golden year this October.

To mark its fiftieth birthday, QFT, which is an independent cinema based at Queen’s University Belfast, will host a range of events including brand new films and old classics. It will also show off its newly refurbished cinema which has now been completed after a £350,000 investment.

The month-long celebrations, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and the British Film Institute, will also see over thirty special events take place including in-depth Q&As with Mark Kermode, Jim Sheridan and the Derry Girls cast.

QFT50 will kick off on 5 October with the opening of a special exhibition that will showcase a range of artefacts, photographs and memorabilia from the past 50 years, as well as screen a preview of new film First Man starring Ryan Gosling.

President and Vice-Chancellor of Queens University Belfast, Professor Ian Greer said:

“As we begin this month-long programme of events, I am excited and honoured to lead the celebrations which mark 50 years of QFT. At Queen’s University Belfast, we are privileged to have such a unique cultural venue on campus, with vast experience of bringing a high quality film experience to Belfast audiences.

Joan Parsons, Head of QFT Belfast said:

“We are so excited to be celebrating the golden year of Queen’s Film Theatre with an amazing programme of events that takes a trip down memory lane and also looks to the future of film.

“With more than 30 special events, as well as our regular programme of film screening there is quite literally something for everyone to enjoy and get involved with. We have films, workshops, talks with renowned film experts like Mark Kermode, book launches, Derry Girls and even a French themed disco with tunes provided by DJ David Holmes.

Highlights of the QFT50 Programme

  • 14 October
    Bloodyminded – First ever interactive live feature film broadcast online and at cinemas around the UK. The film will allow audiences to make its own decisions on the morality of war and decide the ending.
  • 16 October
    Themed 50th birthday celebration night with screening of Viva Marial, followed by a David Holmes DJ set.
  • 19 October
    Devils Doorway – Gala screening with director Aisling Clarke (former employee of QFT and first ever female-directed horror movie).
  • 21 October
    Mark Kermode book launch and Q&A.
  • 23 October
    Derry Girls screening of favourite episodes with Derry Girls cast and crew.
  • 31 October
    Closing Night Gala – ‘Widows’ by Steve McQueen with special guests to be announced at a later date.

The QFT 50 celebrations are generously supported by National Lottery funding awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and The British Film Institute.

For the full Festival Programme and Tickets visit the QFT website.