Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival gets underway this weekend and organisers have not been phased by the Covid-19 restrictions. Still placing the safety guidelines front and centre they have succeeded in creating an ambitious digital version for this its 4th year, ensuring Ramsgate’s burgeoning film festival continues to thrive. Ramsgate Digital Cinema is a brave and imaginative effort to steer the festival through the challenges of 2020 and should not be missed.
Founding Director and accomplished international commercial producer, Kent-based Sylvie Bolioli, has worked tirelessly with the festivals’ teams and contributors to put Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival on the map over the last four years. Co-ordinating such a large programme and securing the all-important funding must be a full-time task that Sylvie appears to have embraced.
Ramsgate national treasure and multi-award winning actor Brenda Blethyn has established her role as festival patron. This year she joins her co-star of new ITV sitcom Kate and Koji Jimmy Akingbola on the festival judging panel. Sponsored by Ramsgate Town Council and running from the 11th to the 14th of June 2020, the extensive film list has something for everyone. All entries enjoy consideration from an illustrious, industry-savvy jury. Competitive categories include ‘First Time Feature Director’, ‘Feature Documentaries’, ‘Short Animation’ and ‘Music Video.’
RIFTVFest has a genuinely global feel, boasting a packed programme of 170 films, tv productions, documentaries and videos. Works both from the UK and as far afield as China, Costa Rica and Iran amongst others grace the festival. Its partnership with the well-established Sochi International Film Festival has elevated Thanet’s presence on the international independent film-making scene. With its mission to create, inspire and celebrate, the festival also has a youth element, IFTVFest JUNIOR, to engage youngsters.
Ramsgate Rooms could not be more impressed by this emerging and internationally important local film festival. Even in these difficult times its determined organisers are embracing the challenge and giving us a fantastic opportunity to download discerning cinema and tv straight to our living rooms. Well done!
