Two short weeks after last years Festival our offices were burned to the ground as a result of the fires which decimated Belfast's historic North Street Arcade. The base and entire history of the Belfast Film Festival was lost. Since the fire our year has been characterised by offers of generous support from throughout the city, and by a strength of spirit and determination from the team which would not be out of place in the storyline of a big screen epic!

Our dedication to the rebuilding process has brought us through the most exciting year of growth and consolidation we have ever had. The move to our new offices; launch of the Belfast Film Festival cinema at Vision's Studio; expansion of our Board of Directors and staff team, all culminating in the biggest and most diverse programme of film we have ever had.

Our core funding continues to be provided by NI Film & Television Commission, Belfast City Council and our title sponsors Orange. We would also like to welcome our new Offical Drinks & Short Film Competition Sponsor Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Thanks must go to our partner cinema's the Strand, Village Cinema's Belfast and the QFT, their staff teams, the Film Festival staff and volunteers, and our many partner organisations and sponsors for their contribution to making our event the massive success that it is.

We welcome our loyal, and new, audience members as this year we present over 130 events and films from 20 different countries. In true cinematic style, join us as we cast off the winter blues and embrace the new growth of spring!

Special rates available in the 4 Star Europa Hotel and 4 Star Malone Lodge Hotel for Belfast Film Festival Patrons.