If you’re a film lover or want to see up and coming director’s newest work, Great Northern Odeon is the best place to be this March. Over 9 days, enjoy Manchester biggest film event of the year and catch features, shorts, premiers, Q&As and red-carpet glamour. Manchester Film Festival is more than just a film showcase; it’s a cultural spotlight on the talents and creativity of independent filmmakers. From facilitating submissions to hosting captivating screenings, they foster a vibrant, supportive community. MFF’s impact extends beyond the screen, inspiring and connecting people through the power of cinema. 

 

The Convert – UK Premier 

Friday 15th March - 13:00

The first film of the festival is epic historical drama The Convert, set in the 19th century pre-colonial Aortearoa New Zealand. A lay preacher who arrives at a British settlement in 1830s. His violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes. Previously played at Toronto International Film Festival, it’s set to be a strong start to Manchester Film Festival, it’s not one to be missed. 

 

The Teachers Lounge – Manchester Premier  

Sunday 17th March – 17:30 

Oscar nominated The Teachers Lounge has been shown at the Berlin International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. When one of her students is suspected of theft, teacher Carla Nowak decides to get to the bottom of the matter. Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her. Directed by Ilker Catak.  

 

Oink – Manchester Premier 

Sunday 17th March – 12:00 

Oink is a 2022 Dutch stop motion animation film based on the book The Revenge of Oink by Tosca Menten. Directed by Mascha Halberstad, Oink won three Golden Calces at Berlin Film Festival and was shortlisted for an Academy Award. The plot follows a 9 year old girl who receives a pet pig named Oink as a gift from her grandfather.  

 

Five and a Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius, Lithuania – Manchester Premier 

Sunday 17th March – 19:50 

Five guests experience a crisis of love in an AirBnB in Vilnius; unaware of the stories that have transpired within the same walls and under the same bedsheets. Between each episode, the quiet cleaning lady, Jolanta, arrives to wipe away the evidence of their joys and tragedies, while her own silent love story unfolds. Including a Q&A with cast and directors.  

 

IO Capitano – Manchester Premier  

Tuesday 19th March – 18:00  

Oscar nominated IO Capitano has it’s Manchester premier during that festival, A homeric fairy tale that tells the adventurous journey of two young boys, Seydou and Moussa, who leave Dakar to reach Europe. It was recently played at Venice film festival, directed by Matteo Garrone.  

 

Short Film selection 

Thursday 21st March – 18:10 and 20:10  

Two sessions featuring a number of short films made around the UK. This is a mixed collection of shorts and may contain themes and scenes that some viewers find upsetting. 

Session 1 and Session 2 

 

The Rising Sun – Manchester Premier and Q&A 

Friday 22nd March – 17:50  

A documentary feature, this is the heartbreaking story of a young woman who, with her young son and a great tragedy of her own, found herself in the UK because of the war in Ukraine. This film follows their experiences.  

The Rising Sun is a must see. 

 

Student short films 

Friday 22nd March – 20:10  

A collection of short films made by film students from the UK and beyond. This is a mixed collection of shorts and may contain themes and scenes that some viewers find upsetting. 

 

I Think I’m Sick – International Premier  

Saturday 23rd March – 18:10  

The excitement of senior year doesn’t appeal much to Will, a teenager quietly dealing with his deteriorating mental health. For Will, there’s only one thing he can do to end his agony, but when his suicide plan fails, he finds himself back in the crowded hallways of his high school to redo his final year. I Think I’m Sick is the long awaited film directed by Danny Gevirtz and this will be it’s international premier. 

 

Love Lies Bleeding – Manchester Premier  

Sunday 24th March – 18:00 

Starring Kirsten Stewart, Love Lies Bleeding follows Lou, a reclusive gym manager who falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder who's heading to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love soon leads to violence as they get pulled deep into the web of Lou's criminal family. Previously showed at Sundance and was highly reviewed.