Russell T Davies and producer Nicola Shindler are set to reunite in Manchester next month as the city’s LGBTQIA+ film and television festival unveils its biggest programme to date.
The pair will headline the third edition of SCENE, appearing together to celebrate one of the year’s most talked-about dramas, Tip Toe, while also looking back at the cultural impact of It’s A Sin five years on from its debut, ahead of the forthcoming stage adaptation by Rambert and Factory International at Aviva Studios.
Running from 20 to 27 August, the festival will bring eight days of screenings, premieres, industry panels, comedy and live events to venues across Manchester as part of the Manchester Village Pride Fringe programme.
The television strand also features an exclusive behind-the-scenes session on Disney+’s Rivals, with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton joined by executive producer Alexander Lamb.
Meanwhile, Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman will appear in conversation to discuss the global impact of the bestselling books and hit Netflix adaptation on LGBTQIA+ audiences.
Reality TV fans will also get a chance to revisit BBC dating series I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, with host Charley Marlowe joined by stars from across both series.
Beyond television, the programme spans new queer cinema, documentaries, comedy and live events, including preview screenings of Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm winner Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex, and Manchester filmmakers Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Chatlines.
The festival will also mark anniversaries for Moonlight, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Absolutely Fabulous, alongside a tribute to late Manchester comedy icon Caroline Aherne.
Gary James Williams, head of events at CityCo, which produces SCENE on behalf of Manchester Accommodation BID, said: “We’re thrilled that SCENE is back for a third edition, and after doubling our audience last year, the festival is going from strength to strength with thousands of fans from all over the UK and across the world coming to Manchester for the ultimate celebration of queer screen culture.
“We’ve always wanted SCENE to be a festival where audiences can discover their next favourite film alongside celebrating the stories they already know and love. This year’s programme is our biggest and most ambitious yet – from Almodóvar to Ab Fab, Barbara Hammer to I Kissed A Girl, old classics, new stories, shorts, docs, live comedy, dance shows, parties and exhibitions there’s something for everyone.
“Whether you’re coming just for the festival or extending your visit to Manchester ahead of our city’s Pride celebrations, we’re welcoming artists, filmmakers, writers, producers, programmers and importantly amazing audiences with open arms and buckets of popcorn.”
The festival is funded by Manchester Accommodation BID and developed in partnership with organisations including HOME, Aviva Studios, Screen Manchester and Factory International. Tickets start from £5, with many events free, while profits from ticket sales and Skiddle booking fees will be donated to Manchester Village Pride LGBTQ+ charities.
