Sir John Hurt’s wife will be guest of honour at a Lake District film festival.
The late actor was patron of Keswick Film Festival and his wife, Anwen, has agreed to attend.
Lady Hurt will present the inaugural John Hurt Award for Excellence in Short Filmmaking along with the Open and Student Awards.
Formerly the Audience Award, the John Hurt Award will continue to be voted for by the enthusiastic audience of filmmakers and festival-goers at the Osprey Awards ceremony, which this year takes place on Saturday, March 21 at Theatre by the Lake.
Lady Hurt said: “With a long and varied career, John was a strong advocate for independent film. It’s a personal delight to present the newly named award in honour of John, a fitting way to remember his passion for helping and inspiring the next generation.
“John’s observations on the Osprey Awards still resonate: ‘I feel it’s very important for those of us who are established in films to make sure that we put ourselves out to encourage the next link in the chain. It’s not difficult to put oneself out and it was greatly enjoyable watching their films and sharing their pleasure at the awards’.“
Festival director Julia Vickers said: “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome back Lady Hurt as we continue to celebrate the legacy of Sir John at the Keswick Film Festival.
“She and Sir John supported the festival for many years, bringing British independent films to Keswick audiences.
“John was an active and much involved Keswick Film Festival patron.
“His legendary film masterclasses at Carlisle College were greatly appreciated for their meticulousness and warmth, as was his interest in the Osprey Film Competition and the filmmakers of the future.”
The annual Osprey Short Film Competition and Awards were launched in 2011 as part of the Keswick Film Festival and since then have championed Cumbria and Cumbrian talent both in front of and behind the camera.
The film festival runs from March 19 to March 22 and screenings will take place in Keswick at the legendary Alhambra Cinema and the beautiful setting of Theatre by the Lake, and at the Rheged Cinema near Penrith.
Tickets are on general sale now. There are concessions for families, young people and students. For the full programme of events and booking details visit: https://www.keswickfilm.org/festival/home
