Have you got your tickets for ¡Viva! 2014 Opening Gala yet? Yes, it’s THIS Friday!
The 20th edition of our annual fiesta features the very best in comedy, drama and documentary filmmaking – 24 films, 15 UK premieres, and an array of events including 5 director Q&As.
First off, we’re delighted to welcome Argentine director Gabriel Nesci to open ¡Viva! 2014 in a very merry mood with his charming debut feature film Días de vinilo (Days of Vinyl). And if you miss out on a ticket to the Opening Gala, or just want to find out more about the film, don’t forget Gabriel will be answering questions from the audience after the second screening on Sun 9 March.
Also on the opening weekend, on Saturday evening we have a UK preview and post-screening Q&A with Venezuelan filmmakers Mariana Rondón and Marité Ugas, the director and producer of the wonderful Pelo malo (Bad Hair), one of my personal favourites this year.
And the opening weekend action continues for all you Spanish language speakers – we’re excited to introduce our first Spanish language walking tour, ¡Hola Manchester!, inspired by the forthcoming International Women’s Day and the UK premiere of Spanish documentary Con la pata quebrada (Barefoot and in the Kitchen) on Sunday lunchtime.
Look out for more special events throughout the festival, including the post-screening Q&A on Tue 11 March with Roberto Flores Prieto, director of exquisite Colombian film Cazando luciérnagas (Chasing Fireflies), another debut feature and UK premiere – this is a great year for young filmmakers!
Have a great festival! ¡Disfrutad el festival!
Jessie Gibbs
¡Viva! Festival Coordinator