Silver screen classics come to Chester

Jun 6 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

With drive-in movies and screenings of some of the most iconic films, all in unusual surroundings, Chester is gearing up for its very own celluloid extravaganza

As thousands flock to the Cannes Film Festival, Chester is gearing up for its own celluloid extravaganza next week.

Tickets are now on sale for Screen Deva, the new international film and digital media festival for Chester, organised by Chester Performs.

Full details of the programme have been unveiled, including the range of unusual city centre venues being used to show films during the festival, which runs from Monday, June 9-Sunday June 15.

There will be screenings in the atmospheric Norwegian Church of St Olave’s in Lower Bridge Street, including the acclaimed Norwegian documentary Cool and Crazy (Heftig og begeistret).

Further venues include Alexander’s in Rufus Court, Telford’s Warehouse in Tower Wharf and Olio & Farina in Bridge Street.

One of the most popular highlights is likely to be the giant drive-in movie screenings of Grease and Breakfast at Tiffany’s at Chester Zoo.

Chester Performs will also be occupying a shop on Watergate Row during the festival. This ‘festival hub’, which is being called the Screen Deva Studio, will not only provide an information point, but will also be used as an exhibition space for three artists’ work and also a venue for a special North West Filmmakers night on Wednesday, June 11.

Alongside the film and exhibition programme, the festival features short film screenings and video disc jockey nights.

There is an evening of short films showcasing the best young filmmakers in the region, and a family day on Saturday, June 14 at the Wesley Methodist Church aimed at 12-year-olds and under.

Amber Jones, Chester Performs project co-ordinator, said: “We are really excited about the diversity of the programme and the venues being used for the festival and would urge people not to miss out on tickets.

“We want to open up the city as a cultural venue and show that art, film and performance can take place outside of traditional arts venues.

“Using places like the zoo and a charming Norwegian church proves that even without a permanent arts venue in the city centre, we can still make things happen in this fantastic and unusual city.”

Full programme information, details of where to pick up a programme and tickets are available at www.chesterperforms.com or by ringing 01244 409113.