The Convert, starring Guy Pearce will open this year’s 10th edition of the Manchester Film Festival, scheduled to take place at the Odeon, Great Northern, from Friday March 15 to Sunday March 24.
The Convert is directed by Once Were Warriors and Die Another Day helmer Lee Tamahori and tells the story of a preacher who arrives at a British settlement in 1830s New Zealand. His violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes.
The festival promises a diverse selection of films that have garnered praise and accolades at prestigious festivals including Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Sundance, and to continue its tradition of introducing cutting-edge cinema to audiences.
The festival will close with the screening of the latest from Saint Maud’s Rose Glass. Love Lies Bleeding stars Kirsten Stewart as Lou, a reclusive gym manager who falls hard for Jackie (Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder who’s heading to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Ed Harris alos features and the movie premieres at Sundance this month.
Other highlights include Sometimes I Think About Dying, La Chimera, Disco Boy and The New Boy, starring Cate Blanchett, as well as the UK premiere of Game of Thrones and Dredd star Lena Headey’s directorial debut The Trap.
The festival is also presents four world premieres of UK films: Of God’s Men, Straight Through Crew, The Can, and Die Before You Die and ITV’s new restoration of the 1978 classic The 39 Steps, starring Robert Powell.
This year’s documentary selection includes We Dare To Dream, the latest film from BAFTA-winning For Sama director Waad Al-Kateab.
In total, 45 features from around the world will screen at the festival, alongside over 100 short films, including three sessions of North West Shorts showcasing local talent.
