Realtime International Film Festival (RTF) Opening Ceremony

Welcome to the (RTF) Opening Ceremony! With the Mayor of Worcester, , hosting and delivering the keynote address, join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the start of our exciting 10th anniversary celebration event. The ceremony will take place at , where filmmakers and film enthusiasts from around the world will come together to kick off the festival in style. Get ready for a night of glamour, excitement, and inspiration as we showcase the best in UK and international cinema. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of the RTF experience, kicking off with this special Red Carpet event!

TICKET INFORMATION:

This ticket grants the purchaser access to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of RTF2025, along with the film screening, panel discussions, and after-parties.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

RTF is an independent film festival that draws filmmakers from around the globe, providing a valuable platform for artistic expression and collaboration. This year marks its return to Worcester, celebrating its 10th anniversary, with a mission to foster a creative economy rooted in fairness, collaboration, and sustainable profitability. The festival aims to strengthen the entertainment and tourism sectors in the Midlands, particularly Worcester, by cultivating a thriving creative economy through its film collective. This initiative seeks to empower independent filmmakers in the Midlands to attract investors in the coming years. RTF is spearheading the advancement of a hybrid film industry that integrates creativity from African and American influences with the dynamic film landscape of the UK. The festival has previously been hosted in Africa, Bordeaux (France), and Kent (UK), with last year's event in Worcester welcoming over 65 international filmmakers.

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Info: o Venue: The Auditorium, Freedom Church, Worcester
o Events:
 Red Carpet
 Performances
 Press and Media Interviews
 Multimedia showcase of filmmakers represented, and the 51 countries represented

Info:
• 5:30 PM – 5:40 PM
o Opening Remark by the Festival Director

• 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM

o Performances: Music, Comedy, Dance

• 6:10 PM - 6:30 PM
o Welcome speech by the Mayor of Worcester, accompanied by other City officials

• 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM

o Introduction of the Opening Film(s)

• 6:45 PM - 7:50 PM
o Showcase of the Opening Film titled “AMBIENT”

 Details: This is a collaborative cinematic project created by directors from around the world, united by a common theme.

Info:
• 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM
o Q&A Session & closing remarks
 Details: A 15-minute Q&A session will follow the opening film. The Mayor of Worcester, who participated in the movie, will accompany the filmmakers on stage during this session.

• 8:30 PM – Midnight
o Afro-Portuguese Inspired "After Party"
 Details: Enjoy DJ Music, Karaoke, Food, and Drinks.
 Venue: The Origin Restaurant

Info: • Closing Ceremony
(All at Freedom Church Auditorium, Host: TBD)
o 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: RED CARPET & INTERVIEWS
o 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: CLOSING FILM(S) Shorts
o 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM: AWARD PRESENTATIONS - The mayor’s speech
o 7:15 PM – 7:55 PM: Announcement of winners and presentation of Awards
o 7:55 PM – 8:00 PM: Closing remarks and announcement of the next festival dates, venue, and theme. Commencement declaration for submission to the next edition of RTF
• 8:30 PM – Midnight
o AFTER PARTY & BUFFET
 Venue: Origin.

Info: • Film Showcase (Various Venues)
o 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The Hive, Worcester
The Guildhall, Worcester

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
o BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS (Hosted by the Worcestershire Black Cultural Association)
 Details: A Family-friendly event with Poetry performances, Educational talks, Panel discussions, and various performances.
 Venue: The Guildhall, Worcester

• 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM (Panel Discussion)
o Filming in Worcester (Opportunities and Benefits)
 Details: A session with the Midlands Indie Collective.
 Venue: The Guildhall, Worcester

• 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM (Panel Discussion)
o Representations in Films and Series
 Venue: The Hive, Worcester

• 6:55 PM – 7:55 PM (Fun & Networking)
o BOWLING, FUN, AND GAMES (Family-Friendly session)
 Venue: Worcester Bowling

Host or Publisher Stan Ohikhuare