Grimmfest returns to Manchester for its thirteenth year this October. The genre film festival will take place at Odeon Great Northern from 7th October to 10th October. Over the course of the four day event, those that attend will have access to over thirty films that celebrate the darker side of cinema. This ranges from the more traditional stories with ghosts and witches, to those that are more of a dark drama or thriller. All of these films are guaranteed to spark debate and introspection whilst offering audiences a welcome respite from the maddening world in which we currently live in.
Seagull marks the feature debut of Peter Blach, who serves as writer and director for the film, which was actually completed a couple of years ago. In fact, Seagull was already on the festival circuit before the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe. With many festivals cancelled, Blach has patiently waited for the world to open up once more so that he can continue to share his creation with audiences on the big screen as the film was intended to be viewed. Set in the seaside town of Folkestone, Seagull is a film built upon secrets. Rose (Gabrielle Sheppard) has spent the last eight years living in isolation from the world. Her decision to return home causes shockwaves amongst her family, who must all finally face up to the circumstances that lead to her departure.
Blach’s debut is a film steeped in mystery and thick with the weight of the secrets being kept by its characters. This uneasy feeling hangs in the air and makes Seagull an absorbing and occasionally confronting watch. Ahead of the screening at Grimmfest, we spoke with Peter Blach to find out more about how Seagull was brought into existence.
Seagull screens at Grimmfest 2021 on 9th October 2021. Tickets for the festival can be purchased here.
