International film delegates have started their journeys back to their home countries from Worcester, while UK-based filmmakers are returning to their cities. However, they will return.
During RTF’s closing ceremony at the Swan Theatre, which has 360 seats, Deputy Mayor Cllr. Matt Lamb, on behalf of the Mayor of Worcester, praised Stanley Ohikhuare for his excellent management of this year’s festival in both Birmingham and Worcester. He also acknowledged the presence of numerous international filmmakers in Worcester, a city ready and eager to engage with the film industry.
The 2024 Realtime International Film Festival (RTF) began at Birmingham’s Mockingbird Cinema on Friday, 23rd August 2024. From 24th to 25th August, the festival moved to Worcester, featuring film screenings, industry sessions, and pitching sessions at the Hive’s Studio and Meeting Room 2, from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm daily. Additional screenings were held at the Swan Theatre, culminating in a red-carpet awards ceremony where the Deputy Mayor presented awards to eager nominees from a selection of 124 films by over 70 international filmmakers. RTF also showcased an art exhibition by Anehita Aletor. Artists from Worcester’s Fine Art Gallery, led by Jessica, also performed a live art demonstration on the red carpet.
Founded in Nigeria in 2016, RTF is an independent film festival that attracts filmmakers from around the world, offering a platform for artistic expression and collaboration. Uniquely, this privately funded festival offers free registration and participation, with no tickets needed.
Last year’s event took place in Kent, but this year, RTF chose Worcester, coinciding with the Worcester Festival, Worcester Gallery, and Swan Theatre, to create a vibrant creative hub that benefits independent cinema. The festival caters to both new filmmakers and established professionals recognised at top festivals like Cannes, Toronto, and Berlin.
With a five-star rating, RTF ranks among the top 100 best-reviewed festivals on FilmFreeway. Technology is vital to RTF’s inclusive and collaborative approach.
The festival features the unique Realtime 20-hour filmmaking challenge, open to participants of all skill levels. This challenge, which is free to enter, provides a chance to win a prestigious trophy at the festival. This year, 98 people took part, with only 10 managing to complete the challenge within the time limit.
The full winners list and lot’s more information can be found online.