West End film festival returns bringing a diverse programme of cinema, and the chance to claim free tickets

World of Film International Festival is returning to Glasgow’s West End tomorrow (7 November) for its 11th edition, displaying the work of new talent from across the world, providing a stage for underrepresented voices and an education platform for independent cinema. This year’s event hosts an extensive programme screening across the Grosvenor cinema and Alchemy Experiment with an emphasis on first feature filmmakers, female directors and Eastern European cinema.

We spoke to the festival’s founder Martin I. Petrov what this year’s programme entails, how he has developed the event and how it serves community interests:

“World Film started 11 years ago, it started as a one-off event. I’m really happy with how it’s evolved over the years and we’ve incorporated new sections. I’m very proud of our Balkan focus where we showcase Eastern European Cinema which is not necessarily something people see very often in Scotland.

“We also have our Reel Tasty experiences which combine food and film, very interactive and very interesting for the majority of our audiences to discover new film and independent film in a different way. Also our female perspectives and the Shorts competition which have been very successful over the years.

“One thing we’re also expanding on is our education programme where we work directly with schools and programme different sessions. Whether that’s animation workshops or costume design workshops, also screenings which are age appropriate. We have various schools from different demographics from different places in Glasgow coming to attend. We’re encouraging more education into the curriculum.

“Throughout our existence we’ve tried to find our identity and discover what local audiences want to see. We are incorporating more independent film from places people want to hear from. We also want to showcase from places that are not easily accessible.

“For the last few years we’ve been using the sae venues where we’ve grown relationships with. Both spaces align with our aesthetic and crowd, our audiences and what we want to do with the festival.

“We’ve tried to incorporate diverse aspects of film, we have a documentary-heavy programme this year which includes a sustainable fashion documentary from visionary designer Jeff Gardner. He’s brining his entire team to Glasgow to not only watch the documentary but also show some of his creations. We’re hosting a party as part of that event.

“We’re have our Reel Tasty film and food experience with is in collaboration with the Italian Culture Institute this year. We have Eusebi Deli, which is a very loved institution in Glasgow, so we’re combining five Italian short films with five Italian courses and wine. People will enjoy a lot of different aspects of culture over one night. This is also part of Italian food week which is global.”

The festival is giving away five free tickets each for the opening ceremony on Thursday 6 November and to a screening of Let Them Be Naked. If you’d like to claim these please contact [email protected].