The 20th Bradford International Film Festival reveals full programme including seven world premieres.

The 20th Bradford International Film Festival (March 27-April 6) will screen 127 films, including seven world premieres and 25 UK premieres.

The opening night film will be India’s The Lunchbox directed by Ritesh Batra produced by and also starring Irrfan Khan.

Steven Knight’s Locke starring Tom Hardy will close the festival.

Other films include a world premiere of Velorama from the UK director Daisy Asquith. She will introduce her new documentary along with musician Bill Nelson. This feature was created from BFI archive material to celebrate a century of the bicycle as part of the Sheffield Doc/Fest Tour De Cinema in Yorkshire Festival.

The other world premieres include:

  • BNSF, James Benning (US)  
  • Banya (short) (Russia)
  • Lada (short) (Russia)
  • The Kiss, Charlie Swinbourne (UK)
  • Secrets of Nature (new score by Metamono)
  • Hells Hinges (new score by The Dodge Brothers)

Other selections include John Curran’s Tracks, Hong Khaou’s Lilting, Conrad Clark’s A Fallible Girl, Leanne Pooley’s Beyond the Edge, and Spanish director Pablo Llorca’s film A Bouquet of Cactus, which is in competition in the UNESCO City of Film European Competition.

UK director Mark Cousins will also introduce the screening of his film A Story of Children and Film about children in films from all over the world.

Festival Co-Director Tom Vincent said: “We are truly awash with riches this year and it’s a pleasure to present such a diverse, entertaining and fascinating programme. From Bradford After Dark for horror aficionados, to the features and shorts in the Bradford UNESCO City of Film European and the Shine Short competitions.

“As always we are touring the globe - look out for the “Russian Winter” themed shorts from our friends at Cinetrain, and a selection of in-your-face provocations from the Sydney Underground Film Festival.

“Among a stack of guaranteed crowd-pleasers, pride of place has to go to our opening and closing night films: India’s The Lunchbox, and, from much closer to home, Tom Hardy’s remarkable one-man show Locke. I hope that every member of our audience will find something to treasure and remember in this year’s very special selection.”