Countdown to Leeds Young Film Festival 2016

The line-up features more than a week of international films, animations, workshops and master classes across the city from Thursday.

The festival will be led by the newly launched Animation Central - four days of hands-on activity for youngsters aged from five to 15 years old.

Based at Carriageworks Theatre over Easter weekend, Animation Central features workshops and master classes by artists behind Clangers, Bob The Builder, Mr Bean and Peppa Pig. The programme, co-curated by animator David Bunting whose credits include Thunderbirds, features Frozen Sing-a-long, The Spongebob Squarepants Movie and The Dark Crystal.

Debbie Maturi, director of Leeds Young Film Festival said: “Our new Animation Central programme, supported using public funding by Arts Council England, brings some of the UK’s top animation professionals to Leeds to ensure that not only do the city’s young people have fun this Easter, but they get a chance to develop their creative skills and learn about this important and thriving British industry.”

The Hyde Park Picture House will feature a week of international cinema, including a preview of The Prophet with a live Skype Q&A from segment director Tomm Moore. The venue’s programme includes Aliens in partnership with Creatures of the Night, He Named Me Malala, Delicatessen and The People Under the Stairs. Leeds Town Hall will screen Star Wars - Episode VII: The Force Awakens and a double bill of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 & 2.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “The Leeds Young Film Festival is a fantastic celebration of film and a great way for families to come together and enjoy an exciting and dynamic programme of events.”