A NEW film festival is set to take place in Glasgow during the Easter school holidays.

For the first time ever, the 19th-century Govan and Linthouse Parish Church will be transformed into an independent cinema, offering a magnificent backdrop to some of 2022’s biggest blockbusters, including Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis, and Matilda The Musical over the period of Thursday, April 13 to Sunday, April 16.

The Screen 51 Film Festival will host three feature, three fringe and two family-friendly screenings.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is leading the project Together for Childhood, and has joined forces with the church and We Together CIC (community interest company).

Jamie Goodwin, arts and worship development worker for Govan and Linthouse Parish Church, said: “We’re delighted to work alongside We Together CIC and Govan Together for Childhood on what is sure to be an excellent celebration of film.”

Matthew O’Donnell, managing director for We Together CIC, added: “We’re thrilled that 2023 marks Screen 51 Film Festival’s premiere to the big screens of Govan, giving audiences the opportunity to experience a rich programme of new films and classic cinema.”

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The festival has been organised as part of Govan’s wider response to the cost of living crisis and is being supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The Govan Together for Childhood partnership is a long-term project that works with other organisations and families to make the community a better place for children. Over the past year, the group has been working with teachers at primary schools in Govan to deliver emotional resilience and mindfulness sessions to help children understand their thoughts and feelings.

Lauren Engall, children services practitioner for Govan Together for Childhood, said: “The Screen 51 team have delivered a brilliant programme. This is a great opportunity for children and families across Govan and beyond to come together as a community, be connected and have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-packed programme.”