A host of celebrities from the world of film and TV are coming to ARC this November next month to take part in a three day celebration of film made up of screenings, shows and famous guests.
The Tees Valley International Film Festival (TVIFF), which is in its fifth year, is bringing some of the finest actors to talk of their journey to the top of the creative industry.
The headline festival show is ‘An Evening with Brenda Blethyn.’ The star of legendary detective series Vera will discuss the high points of her illustrious career on stage with Middlesbrough born actor Bill Fellows, seen most recently in Coronation Street as Stu Carpenter.
Billed as the TVIFF Closing Ceremony, the final show on the last night of TVIFF 2026 also includes the final of the TVIFF actors monologue competition and will end with a live performance of 1997 international hit ‘Tubthumping’ by former Chumbawamba frontman Dunstan Bruce, who hails from Billingham.
Bill Fellows who recently starred in BBC comedy Smoggie Queens, said of the festival ‘I’ve supported TVIFF since it started five years ago and seen it grow hugely in that time. It’s a big indicator of how much Teesside wants and needs more opportunities to get involved with independent film.’
Legend of British film and TV Ricky Tomlinson will also take part in an ‘Evening with…’ show on the opening night of the festival, continuing the TVIFF theme of people from backgrounds without privilege who’ve achieved great things in the performance industry talking about their path to film and TV success.
The festival stages gala screenings of feature films, that have a link to the region. These unique showings are made special by the presence of the film’s director and actors, who take part in an interview and audience Q&A after the screening.
Festival Director Michael Luke, said: ‘For the past year we’ve been welcoming submissions of short films by independent filmmakers from all over the world. The best of these films will be screened over the course of the festival. So whether you’re involved in filmmaking, a fan of cinema or love live events, there’s something for everyone at TVIFF.’
The Tees Valley International Film Festival will be held at ARC from the Thur 12 – Sat 14 Nov. You can find info on all festival informaiton and tickets please click here.