Cardiff Film Festival Management team announced

Cardiff’s ambition to become a big player in the film festival league has taken a major step forward with the announcement of a fresh management team to lead the 2006 Cardiff Film Festival which runs in the capital from 8-18 November.
Led by Cardiff-born Festival Director, Sarah Howells, the new team brings together a highly experienced, enthusiastic and energetic team of individuals who have worked in film-making and festivals the world over.
Sponsors already confirmed for this high profile event include the Welsh Assembly, Arts Council of Wales, The Film Agency for Wales, Cardiff County Council, Cineworld, S4C, BBC, SSAW, Skillset, BAFTA Cymru, the Soundworks and Bauhaus.
The Festival’s HQ will be at Mount Stuart Square in Cardiff Bay. Working working alongside Sarah Howells, previously manager of the Cardiff Screen Festival, will be Festival CEO Huw Penallt Jones, who has over 20 years’ experience in the film industry in UK and abroad. Lisa Nesbitt, previously of IFFW and BAFTA Cymru, will join them as Assistant Director and Greg Mothersdale will act as Manager.
Sarah Howells said, “This promises to be the best Film Festival Cardiff, indeed Wales, has ever seen. Building on past Festivals, but conscious of the need to broaden the Festival’s appeal, our aim is to develop our new brand, to raise awareness of the Festival amongst a wider audience and boost its profile by delivering an exciting fusion of films, attending talent and individually designed industry events.”
She also describes the festival, which is the only one in the world to promote Welsh film and talents on an international platform, as “a much more friendly and accessible event for the public,” which will also introduce a new audience award for best Welsh short film.
Huw Penallt Jones added: “I have been fortunate enough to work in the film industry for a number of years from London to Hollywood, and I genuinely see no reason why Wales can’t be up there with the big boys. This Festival will have the glamour and the glitz but will also showcase films and events that people can truly relate to and which reflect the city’s formidable spirit.”
Peter Edwards, Chairman of The Film Agency for Wales said: “This is a new start – film is fun - and I’m confident Sarah will be getting exciting new films from all over the world to brighten our days and nights in darkest November.
“The Film Agency for Wales aims to ensure the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented in Wales, the UK and the world and help the Welsh Film industry achieve viability and sustainability. We see the Cardiff Film Festival as a key hub in stimulating a competitive, successful and sustainable Welsh film industry and culture and promote the widest possible enjoyment of cinema throughout Wales.”
(JM)