City film festival celebrates 25 years

Passes go on sale this week for the festival, which runs from November 3-20 and will welcome some famous faces to the city – comedian, writer and TV star Paul Merton has been revealed as one of the star guests.

The comedian will present a night devoted to silent film comedy genius, entitled Silent Clowns on Wednesday, November 9, which will feature the Harold Lloyd classic Safety Last! along with Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy.

Film festival passes are now on sale with ticket prices frozen to remain at the same level as last year. Passholders will also receive price reductions on major events, advance programme announcements and a free copy of this year’s event catalogue.

Horror fans can also buy special passes for the Night of the Dead which returns on Saturday, November 5, at its regular haunt, Hyde Park Picture House as well as Fanomenon: Day of the Dead Five at the newly-reopened City Varieties.

Leeds City Council’s executive board member for leisure, Adam Ogilvie, said: “The Leeds International Film Festival has a strong reputation of presenting exclusive screenings and special events in the north of England and the 25th anniversary edition promises to offer something very special for audiences.”

Comic books, graphic novels, gaming and storyboarding are also celebrated with the return of the fifth Thought Bubble Festival. Passes and special event tickets including the Thought Bubble convention can be bought online from www.leedsfilm.com or by calling the City Centre Box Office on 0113 224 3801.

Festival passes have been launched at an early bird rate of £80 for a single pass and £140 for a double until Monday, October 24, when prices will increase.