The team behind the Gateshead Film Festival are delighted that a cast of stage, TV & film actors are sending messages of support to the first Film Festival to be held in the borough. They include Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy/Queer as Folk), Laura Norton (Emmerdale), Robson Green (Grantchester/Soldier, Soldier) Vicky McClure (Line of Duty, Trigger Point) also adding his support is former Newcastle United striker now football media pundit Alan Shearer.

NE actor & writer Steve Wraith explains “I’m really pleased to be part of the team behind the new Gateshead International Film Festival where recently we held our launch at Vue Cinema, Gateshead. We have plans for the festival, the programme, the venues – the whole team have been bringing it together.“

“GIFFEST has been created by filmmakers, for filmmakers, with big ambitions for the North East community. The festival begins next year. Submissions are open now and are free to all North East film makers”.

For further information contact – info@giffest.co.uk

Alikivi    October 2026