Some zombie madness afoot

Buzz Lightyear and friends take over a nursery, an award-winning film about migratory geese is shown at a wetlands centre and in the highlight of the festival zombies take over a shopping centre. It’s all part of the On Location Film Festival which takes place in and around Worthing from September 18-October 2 this year.

The festival, now in its third year, shows movies in locations that have a specific relevance to the film. It starts on Sunday September 18 with a free screening (tickets must be booked in advance) of the Oscar-winning film Cinema Paradiso, about a Scillian town’s relationship with its cinema.

Festival spokesman Dan Thompson said: “In keeping with some key scenes in the movie, the film will be screened outside the Connaught Theatre onto the wall of a nearby building, with Union Place being closed off for traffic on the night, and the audience enjoying free Barefoot Wine plus olives courtesy of Coast Cafe. In the event that the night is affected by rain, the film will be screened the following evening.”

Friday, September 23 is the Autumn Equinox, and WWT Arundel Wetland Centre plays host to the acclaimed wildlife documentary Winged Migration (6.45pm - Tickets £10.50/£7.50 children). There will be free entry into the grounds to get up close with rare birds and wildfowl, before viewing the film with the lake in the background, whilst sipping a glass of complimentary Barefoot Wine.

Sunday, September 25 (11am, 2.30pm and 6pm) sees Toy Story 3 at Ashdown Nursery (£7.50), with the whole building being turned into a special set where children and adults are encouraged to see how Buzz and his friends come to life after the children go home.

“There’s free popcorn, drinks and a Toy Story book for all children, whilst adults are promised free tissues,” Dan said.

Saturday, October 1 (7pm and 10.30pm) is the day that The Living Dead takes over 70s shopping arcade The Guildbourne Centre (£12.50).

“George Romero’s classic 1978 zombie film, in which the undead infest a shopping centre, has never been seen in such an apt location. Both the living and the undead will be welcomed with a glass of complimentary Barefoot Wine, whilst there will also be free popcorn for every zombie who attends, plus a prize for the best dressed undead.

“The festival finishes on an altogether more civilised note. On Sunday, October 2 The Persian Cocktail lounge at the Grand Victorian Hotel is being turned into Rick’s Cafe Americain for screenings of the Bogart & Bergmann classic Casablanca, complete with live piano player, free Moroccan food courtesy of Coast Cafe and an optional 1940s dress code (2pm & 6.30pm - tickets £10.50).”

Festival director Pete Fijalkowski said “We’re really excited about this year’s programme. It’s a chance to look at both films and venues in a different way, and enjoy a unique night out in the only film festival of its kind anywhere in the world. Following the phenomenal success last year, we’ve been also really encouraged how all sorts of different businesses, organisations and individuals have been really keen to help us make this year’s festival an even more exciting event.”

For full details of screenings, visit www.onlocationfilmfestival.com and to book tickets contact either the Connaught Box Office on 01903 206206, or visit the website.