What’s screening on Saturday 8 December 2007

10.00-18.00 New Directions: Short Film Showcase at BALTIC 18

NLFF 2007 opens with our own survey of the UK’s brightest and best young new directors. Drawn from a huge submission of new short films to the festival, this programme features ten of the hottest talents emerging in the UK and provides you with an electric and eclectic film experience ranging from experimental films through to jet-black comedy and from live action to animation. Read more

12.00 The Ugly Duckling and Me U

A real treat for families as we revisit the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen in this fun updated version of the story of the ugly duckling who turns into a beautiful swan. Read more

14.25 Africa United 15

A funny and decidedly offbeat documentary about cultural diversity, self-belief and soccer in a (very) cold climate. Zico is a Moroccan immigrant living in Iceland with aspirations to create a new life and make a successful business. Read more

16.20 Dogme # 1 - Festen 15

A dark family drama, the story centres around an upper class birthday celebration that descends into chaos as damning family secrets are exposed. Read more

17.00-21.00 Bright Sparks: Graduate Short Film Showcase NC

Each year NLFF awards a graduate of the University of Northumbria’s Media Production degree with a prize of screening their graduation film at the festival. Read more

18.45 The Boss of It All 15

We’re thrilled to present the latest release from the legendary Lars von Trier, the eccentric and brilliant director of the landmark films The Idiots and Dogville. Here he uses a new process called Automavision, with a computer more in charge of the camera than he was! Read more

21.00 Sigur Rós — Heima PG

After the release of their amazing 2005 album Takk…, Icelandic band Sigur Rós toured the world. Returning home to Iceland, the band decided to give something back to their people and played a series of intimate free gigs across their homeland during 2006. Read more