Starburst International Film Festival at MMU Student Union Complex

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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Starburst International Film Festival

MMU Student Union, Manchester
26-28 August 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Mad Max 2 – Image Courtesy of Starburst Film Festival
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At over 35 years old, the Manchester based Starburst Magazine lays claim to being the world’s longest running cult entertainment publication. This August bank holiday weekend, they reach into that long history to provide a carefully curated festival featuring tons of screenings and special guests, an awards show and, we’re told — plenty of time to party.

To host the festival, the Starburst folk have managed to commandeer the entirety of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Student Union Complex from Friday to Sunday. The huge space means that there is room for up to four simultaneous screenings and associated events at any one time and a packed programme ensures that there is something on offer for sci-fi, fantasy, horror and cult cinema fans of all stripes.

Starburst Festival - Aliens
Aliens – Image Courtesy of Starburst Film Festival

The festival boasts far more events and screenings than it is possible to detail here, but highlights include the celebratory 30th anniversary screening of action sci-fi, Aliens, featuring a Q+A with Oscar winning production designer, Peter Lamont. There’s also the chance to catch George Miller’s post-apocalyptic gas-guzzlers in Mad Max 2, with cast member Virginia Hey on hand to provide insight into the filming. Meanwhile, animation fans are in for a treat with Wallace and Gromit feature, The Wrong Trousers, and Manga UK mark 25 years with special screenings of audience favourites, Akira and Ghost in the Shell.

The festival promises a party atmosphere, and there will be bars, coffee shops and dealer spaces in which to catch your breath and chat with likeminded film fans. Tickets start at £25.50 for a day pass, or £75 for the full weekend. There’s also the opportunity to book on-site accommodation if you’re thinking of coming from out of town or if you just want to get within stumbling distance of the action.

Where to go near Starburst International Film Festival at MMU Student Union Complex

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

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Gallery
Manchester School of Art

The Manchester School of Art, of which the Holden Gallery is a part, is a beautiful neo-Gothic building that’s part of MMU’s All Saints campus.

The Holden Gallery, Manchester School of Art
Manchester
Gallery
The Holden Gallery

Manchester School of Art’s Holden Gallery at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions that are open free to the public.

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MMU Birley Campus

Birley is Manchester Met’s world-class centre for Education and Health Professionals and the university’s flagship community campus.

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Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
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Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

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