Main Press Release_ 43rd Cambridge Film Festival (2024)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andrea Arnold to Open the 43 rd Cambridge
Film Festival with Bird
Image: Bird – Andrea Arnold’s critically acclaimed film
The 43 rd Cambridge Film Festival (CFF) proudly announces that Andrea Arnold’s latest film,
BIRD, will open the festival on 24 th October. Arnold, a Palme d’Or winner and one of Britain’s
most acclaimed filmmakers (FISH TANK, AMERICAN HONEY), will attend the screening and
take part in a post-screening Q&A.
The festival, running from 24 – 31 October at the Cambridge Arts Picturehouse, offers a stellar
line-up of over 100 films from around the world, including high-profile premieres, award-winning
features, and exciting new voices in contemporary cinema, promising an unforgettable week of
cinema.
Alongside details of the full programme, tickets are now on sale at www.camfilmfest.com
Opening Night: Bird
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Andrea Arnold’s BIRD tells the poignant story of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living in a squat with
her brother and father, who encounters a mysterious stranger, Bird, played by Franz Rogowski.
This powerful narrative fully displays Arnold’s signature style of blending raw social realism with
emotional storytelling. The film has already received critical acclaim internationally, and Arnold’s
appearance at CFF43 will be one of the festival's standout events.
Gala Screenings and High-Profile Premieres
The festival’s Gala Screenings showcase some of the year’s most anticipated films. Marielle
Heller’s NIGHTBITCH, starring Amy Adams, explores the complexities of motherhood with a
darkly comedic edge, while A REAL PAIN, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, will close the festival
with a heartfelt story of familial bonds, co-starring Kieran Culkin.
Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning ANORA invites audiences into the world of a young sex
worker navigating love and power dynamics in this rambunctious, romantic dramedy. The film
captures Baker’s ability to tell compelling human stories with authenticity and warmth.
International Festival Highlights
The International Festival Highlights strand brings some of the best films from major
international festivals. DAHOMEY, a documentary by Mati Diop, explores the restitution of
stolen artefacts from the Kingdom of Dahomey, raising important questions about heritage and
reparations. LA COCINA, starring Rooney Mara, offers an intense look at life behind the scenes
in a New York restaurant, delivering a sensory and emotional cinematic experience.
Other standout films include SUJO, a coming-of-age story set amidst the violence of the
Mexican cartel, and UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, a quirky comedy that imagines an eccentric
world where Farsi and French are the official languages.
Camera Catalonia
Supported by Institut Ramon Llull, the Camera Catalonia strand, a festival favourite, returns with
several acclaimed films from the region. Highlights include THE TEACHER WHO PROMISED
THE SEA, a moving historical drama set against the backdrop of Spain’s Civil War, and A
HOUSE ON FIRE, a darkly comedic portrayal of a dysfunctional family set on the Costa Brava.
YOU’RE NOT ME (Tú No Eres Yo) is a tense and unsettling film which blends elements of
horror and family drama and has drawn comparisons to the work of Jordan Peele.
Women in Action: Fierce Frames
CFF43’s Fierce Frames strand celebrates women in action cinema, featuring Kathryn Bigelow’s
iconic POINT BREAK in a stunning 4K restoration. Alongside a Michelle Yeoh double bill of
martial arts classic YES MADAM! and the epic CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON. The
strand also includes CHARLIE’S ANGELS, a fun and fast-paced action-comedy that helped
define a new era of women-led action films.
Environmental Strand and Family Film Festival
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Supported by Alchemie Technology, the Environmental strand tackles crucial topics such as
climate change and sustainability. FLOW, an animated post-apocalyptic adventure, and THE
CIGARETTE SURFBOARD, a documentary that not only explores the surfer’s responsibility to
protect marine life but also showcases what we can all do personally to counter pollution in an
age of greenwashing and shoulder shrugging on behalf of those responsible for pollution at
large.
The Family Film Festival offers free screenings for younger audiences, featuring animated
favourites like FROZEN 2 and ENCANTO, making the festival a fun, inclusive experience for the
whole family.
Special Events and Industry Day
In addition to Andrea Arnold’s Opening Night appearance, the festival will host a variety of
special guests and filmmakers throughout the week. CFF Industry Day on 28 th October, now in
its third edition, provides an important platform for filmmakers, producers, and industry
professionals to engage with one another through discussions, panels, and networking events.
Accreditations are now available via the Festival website, www.camfilmfest.com/industry-day on
a pay-what-you-can basis.
From the Festival Management Team, Owen Baker said: “The programming team have done an
amazing job this year; we’re proud to present a programme that reflects the extraordinary
diversity and richness of contemporary cinema. From prestigious premieres to innovative indie
films, CFF43 offers something for all ages and tastes. We can’t wait to welcome audiences to
the Festival to celebrate cinema and the films we all love.”
-Ends-
Images: Film Images for Press CFF43
Press contact: Becky Mann | Email: beckymannpr@gmail.com | Phone: 07739 131820
Follow Cambridge Film Festival: Twitter: @camfilmfest | Facebook: /cambridgefilmfestival |
Instagram: @camfilmfest
The Cambridge Film Festival is made possible with the support of the BFI Film Audience
Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery to bring this project to more audiences
across the UK.
Principal Partners: TTP & Studio 24 | Co-partners: AstraZeneca & Alchemie Technology |
Festival Education Partner: Anglia Ruskin University | Media Partners: Cambridge Independent,
Star Radio, Take One
Cambridge Film Festival is presented by Cambridge Film Trust, a registered charity with a
mission to foster and promote film culture and education for the benefit of people in Cambridge,
the East of England and throughout the UK.
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