I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to the 2023 Southend-on-Sea Film Festival!

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From our prestigious black tie, red carpet Opening Gala - the lovely drama A Bit of Light, with the filmmakers in attendance - to our Closing Gala - Best Geezer, the World Premiere of this hilarious take on British crime thrillers - we will be presenting our usual mix of documentaries, World Cinema, new features and classic films.

 

Our heritage presentations are always very popular, and this year Thames transport and the tragic 1953 Canvey flooding will take centre stage.

 

We also have a wonderful tribute to Southend's very own Kursaal Flyers, with members of the band joining us for a 50th anniversary screening of a documentary based on a three-week tour in 1976. Truly, a not-to-be-missed show!

 

Of course, it's not just me, and I would like to thank the Festival Team for all their hard work in helping me put this wonderful festival together.

 

But none of us could have done this without our sponsors, to whom I say a hearty, and heartfelt, "thank you".

 

So do come along, and settle down for the pleasures we have in store. I look forward to seeing you.

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Paul Cotgrove : Festival Director