Organisers of the first-ever Staithes International Film Festival (SIFF) have hailed the event as a success, while revealing what next year’s event has in store.

The festival in the pretty seaside village featured a three-day programme of film features, short films and live events – and it was a dead heat for winner of the festival’s short film competition, as Yorkshire’s own Jordon Scott Kennedy’s Rocket Fuel tied for first place with Family Sunday by Mexican director Geraldo Del Razo.

The result was announced by TV and movie actor Katherine Kelly (Coronation St, Official Secrets, Mr Bates v The Post Office).

SIFF was very well attended, especially on the Saturday night which saw a sold-out screening of Funny Cow.

From left: John Hamlin of Staithes International Film Festival (SIFF), actors Tony Pitts and Katherine Kelly, Barbara Govan (SIFF) and Paul Bader (SIFF).

placeholder image — From left: John Hamlin of Staithes International Film Festival (SIFF), actors Tony Pitts and Katherine Kelly, Barbara Govan (SIFF) and Paul Bader (SIFF).

Writer, actor and executive producer Tony Pitts (Looks and Smiles, Emmerdale, Star Wars) introduced his film and was interviewed afterwards by SIFF’s Barbara Govan followed by lively questions from an enthusiastic audience at St Peter's Centre.

Organisers say the inaugural event was a great success and plan to bring it back next year with more movies, short films and movie actors and writers in person.

Meanwhile, monthly cinema screenings resume on Saturday November 28 with H is for Hawk starring Claire Foy (The Crown), 7pm at St Peter’s Centre, Church Street, in the old village.

Tickets via ticket tailor or Staithes Cinema Facebook events page.