Alhambra's MINT Chinese film festival 'reminded me of Cannes'

Around 250 individuals visited the Chinese New Year film extravanganza at Keswick's Alhambra cinema. Founded and organised by women, the event primarily focused on films by women, and about women's experiences. 

One of the festival organisers, Carol Rennie, co-owner of the Alhambra Cinema, said the event went better than she could have 'dreamed of'. 

130 of the 146 Festival Pass holders were Chinese participants who had travelled from Edinburgh, Leeds, London, York, Durham, St Andrews and Southampton.

Students give their take on film (Image: Supplied)

"For me, this is part of a drive for sustainable tourism in the Lake District," Carol, who speaks Mandarin and has a PhD in Chinese Literature, said.

"The Keswick Tourist Association, which generously sponsored our event, is keen to attract Chinese visitors.

"How much better to tap into the 200,000 Chinese students already in the UK, rather than seek to attract them from abroad. 

"Our event brought over 200 overnight stays to Keswick this weekend, with perhaps three or four cars maximum: our participants primarily used public transport to get here - though we did put on two packed coaches to replace the trains derailed by the strikes."

Discussing film with Dr Carol Rennie (Image: Supplied)

Carol had the highest of praise for her fellow 'force of nature' co-curator, Yixiang Shirley Lin. 

"She is only 23 years old, and just graduated from the University of Edinburgh last year, but this is the third film festival she has curated, and she brought together a fantastic team of fellow organisers online, who only met each other in person for the first time here in Keswick," she said. 

(Right) Yixiang Shirley Lin with one of the festival goers (Image: Supplied)

Co-curator Xiyun Simyun Li, who travelled from Amsterdam for the event, said: "I loved the small-town atmosphere in Keswick - it reminded me of Cannes - participants didn't get lost once they stepped outside the venue, they could identify each other in the streets, and meet and mix in all the lovely cafes and shops close to the cinema."

The event curators thanked the generous support received from the events sponsors, Keswick Film Club and Lancaster Confucius Institute for all their help along the way. 

Smiles all round on the red carpet at Alhambra Cinema. (Image: Supplied)

Looking ahead, it looks like the 'labour of love' event is here stay. 

"As long as there are Chinese students studying film at UK universities, I think we'll be carrying on.

"We're already making big plans for next year's event," Carol said. 

READ MORE: Rolling out the red carpet for the Keswick Film Festival