Get the latest updates on the UK-wide season of side-splitting film and TV
Published:
01 Nov 2018
Comedy Genius is now underway: take a look at some of the season highlights taking place in the North and get involved.
With the nation’s appetite for laughter showing no signs of abating as we head into the autumn and winter months, the Film Audience Network has extended the runtime of the Comedy Genius season. Screenings and events taking place up to 31 January 2019 can now be included in the nationwide programme of side-splitting film and TV, giving exhibitors in the North even more chances to get involved and to benefit from Screening Support funding and the Independent Cinema Office’s discounted film menu. Those in need of inspiration to find their perfect programming punchline can take a look below at some of the season highlights taking place in the North over the next few months.
Highlights in the North
Two national tours make several stops in the North as part of Comedy Genius: the Queer Film Network partner with FACT Liverpool/Liverpool Pride, Black Gold and Leeds Queer Film Festival to deliver a series of events in their self-conscious comedy programme Gay as in Hysterically Funny, while We Are Parable’s celebration of Black Comedy Legends visits Manchester and Liverpool complete with a Desmond's inspired pop-up barbershop and a programme of live and screen comedy in tow.
Homegrown hilarity from Film Hub North Members includes a commemoration of the short-lived social network Vine and its 6 second comedy heroes presented in collaboration by Pilot Light TV Festival andLive Cinema, a takeover of Lancaster Castle’s dungeons courtesy of The Dukes, four funny fortnights at the Showroom Cinema accompanied by some custom poster artwork, and a season of screenings at Storyhouse Chester. Celluloid Screams and Leyburn Arts and Community Centre were quick out of the gates in October and have already delivered events at their festivals, including a special screening of Kiwi comedy Wellington Paranormal with cast and crew in attendance and a Comedy Genius programme takeover.
Screening Support funding, managed by our colleagues at Film Hub Midlands, can provide awards of between £150 - £1,500 to help you deliver your own Comedy Genius programme. Applications close on 3 December - visit the Comedy Genius website for more information on how to apply.
The Independent Cinema Office’s Comedy Genius Tour provides exhibitors with a twelve film snapshot of the season’s key themes, with some titles available at reduced rental rates. For more information on the selected titles and to arrange bookings, visit the ICO website.
