Northern Ireland

Pop-up film festival to celebrate Sir Kenneth Branagh receiving freedom of Belfast

Sir Kenneth Branagh is to receive the freedom of Belfast
Sir Kenneth Branagh is to receive the freedom of Belfast Sir Kenneth Branagh is to receive the freedom of Belfast

A POP-UP film festival will be held in Belfast to mark Sir Kenneth Branagh being awarded the freedom of the city.

The 'Branagh in Belfast' programme on January 30 includes the opportunity to see My Week with Marilyn at the Lyric Theatre as well as screenings of the actor and director's work in schools across the city.

Community groups, schools and other organisations are also being encouraged to host their own events as Belfast prepares to "celebrate the achievements of one of the great acting talents of our generation".

Belfast city councillors unanimously voted to bestow the honour on Branagh last October, making him the 82nd person to be awarded the freedom of the city.

Born in north Belfast, he grew up in the Tiger's Bay area and attended Grove Primary School before his family moved to England when he was nine.

He went onto to become a star of theatre and film as well as an acclaimed director in a career that has seen him awarded three BAFTAs.

Hugh Odling-Smee of organisers Film Hub NI said: "We are delighted to have partnered with Belfast City Council to allow Film Hub NI members from across Belfast to pay tribute to the range, depth and excellence of Sir Kenneth Branagh's film work.

"The wide variety of the films on offer demonstrate Branagh's ability to deliver brilliant work both as a director and actor.

"That this world renowned artist comes from our streets and has nurtured and developed the artistic life of the city throughout his career should be celebrated and we're delighted to assist the city in doing just that."

For more information see www.filmhubni.org/Projects/BranaghInBelfast