Leeds International Film Festival looks to hit heights

The new version of the classic novel set in Yorkshire and filmed on the North York Moors will open the 18-day festival with a gala screening at Leeds Town Hall on Thursday November 3.

This year the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary and the film which stars Leeds newcomer, James Howson, as Heathcliff and Kaya Scodelario, star of hit television drama Skins, as Cathy has already picked up the prize for Best Cinematography at the recent Venice Film Festival.

The film directed by Bafta award-winning filmmaker Andrea Arnold will be looking to follow the success of last year’s premiere The King’s Speech, which was given an exclusive screening at Leeds Town Hall and went on to win four Oscars and seven Baftas.

Tickets for the UK’s biggest film festival held outside London are now on sale, with this year’s event boasting over 300 films from around the world.

Paul Merton will be one of the big-name guests appearing at this year’s festival which runs from Thursday, November 3 to Sunday, November 20.

The comedian, writer and television star will be presenting a night devoted to silent film comedy genius at Leeds Town Hall on Wednesday, November 9. Other highlights include the popular horror-themed Fanomenon Night of the Dead XI which returns on Saturday 5 November at the Hyde Park Picture House.

Coun Adam Ogilvie Leeds City Council’s member for leisure said: “Leeds International Film Festival is a hugely popular annual highlight in the city and Wuthering Heights is sure to be another fantastic opening gala.

“The film is the perfect choice to launch this year’s festival as it also represents the exciting growth of film culture in the Yorkshire region with Leeds at its heart.”

Director of Leeds International Film Festival Chris Fell said: “I’m delighted that the 25th Leeds International Film Festival will open with one of the most talked-about films of the year, and one with strong associations to the Yorkshire region.”

Tickets are on sale at the City Centre Box Office at The Carriageworks off Millennium Square or online at www.leedsfilm.com