The inaugural Tees Valley International Film Festival has been described as a “phenomenal success” and will return next year.

The event based at the Arc in Stockton and featured Gala screenings, workshops, advice and support from well-know people in the industry

The grand finale on Saturday evening (October 29) featured an awards event with North East actors Mark Benton, Bill Fellows and Tim Healy.

The Q&A session hosted by BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough brought in a huge crowd and the event was sold-out.

The Northern Echo: The Arc in Stockton hosted the four-day eventThe Arc in Stockton hosted the four-day event (Image: Arc/Facebook)

Read more: New international film festival for the North East - and these are some of the famous actors coming

Michael Luke said: “The film festival was a truly fantastic four days and the phone has never stopped with messages saying how memorable it was. The whole four days went off without a hitch and the Arc, Stockton was the perfect venue to stage it.

“It gives me tremendous satisfaction when I look around social media and see what it meant to people that want to be involved in the world of film – whether that’s in front or behind the camera. People travelled in to Stockton from far and wide to join us which is so encouraging.

“Listening to people like Mark, Bill and Tim describe how they made it to the very top of their profession gave people a real boost and vision to achieve their own dreams.”

The Northern Echo: Event organiser, Michael Luke, outside the Arc, StocktonEvent organiser, Michael Luke, outside the Arc, Stockton (Image: Goffy Media)

Teesside-born Mark Benton, said: “It was a most memorable event to appear in and I was thrilled to be asked to play a role in it. I would have to say congratulations to Michael Luke as he had the vision and took the gamble to get this much-needed event started here in our area. These four days could prove to be a real turning point in making things happen in the Tees Valley.”

The Northern Echo: Teesside-born actor Mark Benton was in attendance Teesside-born actor Mark Benton was in attendance (Image: Goffy Media)

Coronation Street star Bill Fellows was delighted to be back home on Teesside. He said: “It was so good to witness so many people on Saturday and to be able to tell people about our journey and to give advice and tips to help people get that break and succeed.”

The Northern Echo: Teesside-born Coronation Street star Bill Fellows was also present at the Q&A Teesside-born Coronation Street star Bill Fellows was also present at the Q&A (Image: Goffy Media)

Television star Tim Healy added: “Saturday evening was brilliant. We were able to see some of the finalists in the three-minute monologue competition and the standard was fantastic. I have appeared on other film festivals across the UK and in other countries, but this was a fabulous first attempt to establish one for the Tees Valley. It would be lovely to see Michael and his team continue.”

The Northern Echo: Paul 'Goffy' Gough and actor Tim Healy at the Tees Valley International Fil Festival 2022Paul 'Goffy' Gough and actor Tim Healy at the Tees Valley International Fil Festival 2022 (Image: Goffy Media)

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