Newcastle College has been confirmed as a headline sponsor of the North East International Film Festival (NEIFF), marking a significant new partnership that will create opportunities for students to gain experience in the film and creative industries.
The partnership brings together one of the region’s leading education institutions with one of the North East’s most ambitious international cultural events, strengthening the College’s commitment to industry engagement, talent development and creating meaningful pathways into the creative industries.
The collaboration will give Newcastle College students opportunities to connect with filmmakers and industry professionals, develop their skills and gain valuable experience of working within a live festival environment.
Gemma Wynne, Head of The Performance Academy at Newcastle College, said: “Here at Newcastle College, we are excited to announce our partnership with the North East International Film Festival (NEIFF). This collaboration provides our students with invaluable opportunities to engage directly with industry, gaining real-world experience that enhances their learning and prepares them for future careers.
“Throughout the festival, Media students will play an active role in capturing and producing content from events across the week, giving them hands-on experience of working within a live festival environment. Students will also benefit from attending screenings, networking with industry professionals, and gaining insight into current practices within the creative and film sectors.
“The partnership is another strong example of Newcastle College's commitment to embedding industry engagement into the curriculum. Through meaningful collaborations such as this, our students are able to apply their skills in authentic professional settings, building confidence, experience, and valuable industry connections.
“As the home of both Media and Performing Arts at Newcastle College, The Performance Academy is proud to host the Screen Dance strand of the festival, alongside the festival's student networking event in our Peter Sarah Theatre, welcoming filmmakers, creatives, employers, and industry leaders from across the region."
Lisa-Marie Tonelli MBE, Festival Director of NEIFF, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Newcastle College into the NEIFF family.
“If we want the North East to become a genuine force in the UK and international film industry, we have to invest in the people who will shape its future.
“That means creating opportunities for young people to see themselves within the industry, to meet the people already working in it and, most importantly, to believe that a career in the creative arts is possible.”
As NEIFF continues to expand its role within the North East’s creative economy, the festival’s programme will provide an opportunity for students to experience international cinema, engage with filmmakers and industry professionals, explore careers across the screen sector and gain a deeper understanding of the creative industries.
As the UK’s creative industries continue to evolve, the North East is increasingly developing a reputation for producing ambitious creative talent. Partnerships between education providers and industry organisations like NEIFF play an important role in ensuring that emerging talent has access to the networks, knowledge and opportunities needed to succeed.
The festival will continue to announce further partnerships, programme highlights and industry activity in the run-up to this year’s event.