A Sheffield cinema is set to spotlight underrepresented voices in the film industry with the launch of its first Working Class Film Festival this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Running from May 8 to May 10, the festival at Showroom Cinema will feature more than 30 short films from international directors who come from working-class backgrounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathan Makalena, creative coordinator at the cinema, said the programme moves beyond traditional portrayals often associated with working-class cinema and aims to broaden representation on screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cSome people have the expectation that working-class cinema has to be downbeat or depressing. But this festival shows that inspiration can come from anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The line-up includes science fiction films, experimental shorts exploring dreamlike realities and architecture, and comedy productions. One featured short, Gan Canny<\/em>, follows two siblings honouring their late grandmother\u2019s final wishes by taking her on a journey through their local village after her death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The festival opens with a screening of Pressure<\/em>, widely regarded as the first Black British feature film, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. The 1970s drama follows a bright schoolboy navigating life and identity in London. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The closing film will be Kes<\/em>, Ken Loach\u2019s acclaimed adaptation of Barry Hines\u2019 novel about a boy who finds hope and purpose through training a kestrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n