A host of familiar faces will be appearing on the big screen at Keswick Film Festival this year.

Back for its 19th year, the annual celebration of cinema brings you the very best films from the world’s greatest festivals – as well as some very special guests – in the stunning surrounds of one of the most picturesque places on Earth. With the view is as good outside as it is on screen, it’s not hard to see how Keswick Film Festival has developed a burgeoning reputation and why so many film buffs flock to attend each year.

Taking place from 22 – 25 February, this year one of the country’s most popular actresses, Sheila Hancock will open the festival with a rare big screen appearance in ‘Edie’.  Introduced by Director Simon Hunter, the film tells the story of 84 year old Edie, who released from the ties of a difficult marriage, decides to fulfil a lifetime’s ambition to climb a mountain in the Highlands. With its mountainous settings and inspiring storyline ‘Edie’ was made for the Keswick Film Festival.

The Square

Elisabeth Moss (of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Top of the Lake’ fame) shows off her lesser known comedic talent as the star of ‘The Square’ a biting satire on the art world which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2016. Meanwhile ‘Loves, Lies and Records’ actor Mark Stanley, plays a young farmer trying to hold on to the farm tenancy after the death of his father in Dark River, a gritty drama set in Yorkshire.

Dark River

Most poignantly of all, however, the festival will see Sir John Hurt in his last leading role. ‘That Good Night’ is the tale of a writer with a terminal illness who hopes to put his affairs and family in order before he passes. With Charles Dance playing opposite him, the interaction between two giants of the stage and screen is magnificent.

Festival Director, Ian Payne, said: “I hope that the chance to see these household names in quite different guises will tempt people to come and sample the programme in February.”

He continued: “For anyone who likes good plot-driven drama on TV or the cinema, these films will both entertain you and at the same time put your emotions through the wringer.”

For the full programme and more information visit www.keswickfilmfestival.org