Insight Film Festival

The 2nd INSIGHT FESTIVAL took place in Manchester on 18th November 2009.

It attracted films about faith from young film makers across the UK and beyond.

As we are firmly committed to using film to explore and promote community cohesion, we were especially delighted to receive a wide diversity of entries.

THE FUTURE 

Please keep visiting this site for details of the next INSIGHT FESTIVAL and contact us if you want to help, partner, or simply receive news of our future.

THE FILMS

Who’s Driving the Dream Bus? is a remarkable film graphically detailing a spiritual journey from birth to death won the Premier Award. The film, was made by Boris and Claire Jänsch and shows Boris’ personal journey through a series of interviews with spiritual teachers, philosophers and writers. It is a visual quest to unravel what it means to be alive.

Dr David Butler, chair of the Festival Selection organisation and lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Manchester Screen Centre said “The film really gets to the heart of the festival – it asks questions, doesn't provide prescriptive answers. There are beautiful images and memorable moments - not least the footage of the film maker’s own birth”.

Two further films were also commended by the jury - Choices, a pensive film portraying “a woman who finds herself on a long, never ending road to nowhere, with no idea how she got there,” written and directed by Ryan Hendrick from Glasgow; and The Bees, a documentary portraying the life of a Lebanese Bee Keeper that reveals hidden secrets about her life and the way it has been shaped by her own faith and the faith of others. Directed by Rana Ayoub  from Edinburgh.

A further award for a film entered into the Festival was made to What the Gods Want by Signis, the International Catholic Film Organisation. The film by Nital Mistry from Preston depicts a young Brahman who arrives in the UK from a small Indian village and how he attempts bring back parishioners to the temple.

Festival Director, John Forrest, said “There has been enormous interest in this year’s Insight Festival. Although it is a U.K. event, interest and entries were received from all over the world. We are convinced that the time is right to encourage young film makers to make films about faith”

A further ten magnificent films were also screened at the Festival and many other films of very high quality were received. See our Shortlist page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not religious, why should I enter?
I am religious, should my film be about the faith I belong to?
What will happen to my entry?
Read the answers to these FAQs and more

About Insight

The Insight Film Festival was begun in Manchester, U.K. in 2007 by a group of professionals in the film and media industry who wanted to make a serious contribution to community cohesion through film and moving image. Read more

Judges

Meet Aaqil, Rajinder, Tina and Liz in our Judges section.