The Arc Cinema and Lancashire Film Network are launching a monthly independent film celebration.
Lancashire Firestorm Short Film Showcase will highlight local and independent filmmakers ahead of a festival in February 2027.
The Lancashire Film Network (LFN) established the award-winning Lytham International Film Festival (LIFF), which will mark its third consecutive year this September, along with the newly formed CineWyre Film Festival, which will run from Thursday 26 February to Sunday 1 March.
The Firestorm Short Film Showcase will be hosted by The Arc at Animate and curated by LFN director Ed Greenberg. As such, the last Friday of each month will include a listing for Firestorm, which will consist of a selection of short films that have been included in previous years of LIFF and CineWyre, and will hopefully inspire and encourage new creatives to immerse themselves in the local film landscape.
Ed Greenberg told Blog Preston of his hopes for the ongoing event: “Firestorm celebrates the remarkable filmmaking talent we have here in Lancashire and places those stories alongside outstanding independent films from around the world.
“Working with The Arc Cinema gives our creatives the platform they deserve, and this launch is the first step toward a world‑class festival and a year‑round programme that champions new voices and puts our region firmly on the map.”
Read more: New monthly short-film night taking place at Preston pub
In addition to showcasing these short films, the Firestorm events will include Q&A sessions and provide an insight into the world of independent filmmaking. Local film critic Jack Smit, who will be working closely with The Arc and the LFN with these events, shared his excitement for what these regular events could provide to hopeful creatives.
“Lancashire Firestorm is an unbelievable opportunity for film fans, filmmakers, and curious creatives to see some of the best independent and award-winning short and feature films from around the world, learn from filmmakers and industry professionals in Q&A sessions, all in a landmark, world-class venue here in Preston,” said Jack.
“These monthly film nights are going to give audiences a taster of the festival experience, and hopefully inspire the next generation to pick up a camera and make their films for the festival circuit – all in time for the main event next February.”
The Arc Cinema is a family-owned business with a number of locations across England and Ireland. The Preston venue is celebrated its first year operating this month.
Mark Gallagher, spokesperson for The Arc Cinema, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting new film festival in Preston. Events like this are so important in bringing communities together and celebrating the power of cinema. It’s a wonderful opportunity for audiences to experience something different, and we’re proud to support the continued growth of Preston’s cultural scene.”
The first Firestorm Short Film Showcase will take place on Friday 27 March and will feature eight projects, with several from local filmmakers, along with Academy Award-nominated projects and even BAFTA-winning shorts that were previously hosted at Lytham International Film Festival.
For the full line-up and ticket details, visit the Arc Cinema website.
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