Film buffs flock to independent festival

Martin Gleeson and Mandana Ansari, organisers of Sahar International Short Film Festival 2017. Inset, a movie poster for Iranian film Hands and Shoulders

MORE than 30 diverse short films were screened at a festival in Delph.

Movie buffs flocked to the third Sahar International Short Film Festival, at the Millgate Arts Centre, which showcased a myriad of international movies, organised by Lees filmmaker Mandana Ansari, who is originally from Iran, and her husband Martin Gleeson.

As well as short films, there were also dance performances, a poetry night and a tribute to the late Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, who received worldwide acclaim for his work from both audiences and critics.

Mandana said: "Sahar International Film Festival is purely independent and is always open to emerging and established film-makers.

"Despite our limitations we continue and we are sure those who love cinema and culture will not let us down."