Hinterlands Film Festival returns to Skipton 21-23 May with a stunning line-up of inspirational screenings and events, celebrating rural film in dramatic ways across the landscapes of the Lakes and Dales.

A cinematic love letter to rural landscapes, the festival showcases events that will make attendees reconsider the importance of the great outdoors in film. Hinterlands returns for its second edition with an exciting programme of screenings and events at its Skipton home, the Plaza Cinema.

Craven Herald: The Plaza Cinema, Skipton The Plaza Cinema, Skipton

The 2021 programme consists of a stunning line-up of inspirational films including Oscar winning movies Nomadland (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Director) and Minari (Best Supporting Actress) plus animated fantasy adventure Wolfwalkers, captivating drama Supernova, Francis Lee's romantic drama Ammonite and Jean Cocteau’s timeless masterpiece of cinematic wonder La Belle et la Bête.

Robin Richards – founding member of Dutch Uncles and one of the UK’s most exciting composers in his own right, premieres a brand new score, specially commissioned for the festival and BBC legends Elizabeth Alker and Stuart Maconie bring their wildly popular Notable podcast to Hinterlands, with a live recording of a special episode devoted to music and film followed by a screening of The Wicker Man (1973).

Hinterlands celebrates Skipton and Yorkshire, featuring a performance from celebrated Skipton cellist Sarah Smout.

The festival is led by Artistic Director Geoff Bird in partnership with Wild Rumpus, the award-winning outdoor arts organisation, in partnership with Great Place: Lakes and Dales and supported by Film Hub North, Arts Council England and is proud to be part of the BFI Film Audience Network.

Geoff Bird, Hinterlands Rural Film Festival Artistic Director, said:

“The emotive power of film to provoke, entertain and illuminate has never felt more vital. The immersive cinema experience of being engulfed in a world not your own, a world of open space and rural landscapes, a world of wonder and possibility is what Hinterlands is all about".

Directors of Wild Rumpus Rowan Hoban and Sarah Bird said:

“It is with great joy that we return to the beloved Plaza Cinema in Skipton. Independent cinema has been so heavily impacted by the pandemic and we hope that Hinterlands can help kick start the process of renewal and revitalisation. We hope the festival will prove to be a catalyst for more year round film activity in this beautiful town”.  

Lindsey Hebden, Great Place Lakes & Dales Programme Manager, said:

The events of the past year mean opportunities to enjoy new experiences in rural communities such as Skipton are more important to us than ever. I am delighted Hinterlands is able to return in some form. Not only will it build on the success of 2019, but it provides opportunities and support to local young creatives, filmmakers and local businesses at this crucial time, all while giving the area a national platform”.

For information and tickets, visit: hinterlandsfestival.org.uk