Celia Imrie short to headline Northampton Film Festival

Celia Imrie stars in Fifty-Four Days, which is being screened at the Northampton Film Festival

A short movie about open-water swimming starring Celia Imrie will headline a film festival next month.

Fifty-Four Days, about a young woman processing grief through the sport, is written and directed by filmmaker and actor Cat White.

It is one of more than 60 short films and six feature films showing in the Northampton Film Festival, which runs between 8 and 16 March.

White, originally from Northampton, said it was a "full circle moment".

"It means my parents and family and friends will be able to come see it in the place I grew up watching films," she said.

Cat White (left) said working with Celia Imrie was "like a masterclass in everything"

The film is about a woman who starts open-water swimming after losing her father.

White, who also stars in the film, said it was inspired when a friend died and she started swimming herself.

"I was really low and the swimming pretty much saved my life, so I wanted to tell a different narrative about how we still remain hopeful," she said.

Award-winner Imrie's credits include The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Netflix's The Diplomat.

White said: "I sent her the script and never in a million years did I think she would say yes, but she just got it, she's a swimmer and we just connected."

The film festival will use venues across Northampton in 2024

Festival director, Becky Carrier, said: "We've got films from around the UK that have won at some of the best festivals in the world, as well as opportunities for people to meet the next generation of filmmakers as they start on their journey."

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The festival, which was first held in 2019, opens on Friday, 8 March at the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus.

Films will also be screen at Delapre Abbey, Northampton Filmhouse, Lings Forum Cinema and Cineworld Northampton.

The multiplex will then host the final event, the festival's awards, on Saturday, 16 March.