The Manchester-based TV and film festival also raised £10,000 for Manchester Pride
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY THE-VAIN, CARL-SUKONIK, @THEVAINPHOTOS
Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ film and TV festival SCENE just levelled up – pulling a record-breaking 4,100 people through its doors this year, more than double last year’s crowd. And because queer joy means giving back, the festival handed over £10,000 from ticket sales to Manchester Pride, keeping LGBTQIA+ voices loud and proud in the city.
The week was stacked with unmissable moments: a Cucumber screening and panel with legend Russell T Davies, a cast reunion for the hit drama What It Feels Like For A Girl, and even a chaotic, laughter-fuelled lesbian quiz hosted by DIVA’s own Staff Writer Ella Gauci. Fans didn’t just come from across the UK – some flew in from Mexico just to soak up the queer magic.
Davies himself couldn’t resist hyping up the festival: “SCENE is astonishing – cities are proud of their football teams but they should be equally proud of their culture, SCENE is the pride of Manchester, congratulations to them.”
Actor Adam Ali (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Waterloo Road) added: “I just want to thank the SCENE team for bringing us all together for this amazing event. It’s the first time we’ve been together for a panel like this, and it’s even more special to be in Manchester, my hometown – so, thank you.”
Now in just its second year, SCENE is already cementing itself as a must-hit fixture on the queer calendar – part celebration, part takeover, and all about the power of LGBTQIA+ stories on screen.
Festival producer Gary Williams summed it up best: “It really has been a special week and a very special time in the city and we hope even more film and TV fans can join us next year for our showcase of creativity and queer stories on screen.”
Find out more about SCENE: www.scenefestival.com
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