Accountancy group Smith & Williamson, which has a major base in Bristol, is to sponsor the highly-acclaimed Bristol Film Festival, which has recently expanded into a year-long programme of screenings, talks and workshops.
Smith & Williamson employs around 200 people in Bristol and has a dedicated media sector team. It will be supporting several high-profile events on the festival’s calendar. 
The first is next Saturday, March 11, in the evocative surroundings of Bristol Cathedral when the audience will be treated to a live organ recital to accompany the screening of silent romantic tragedy The Hunchback of Notre Dame, pictured right and below.
Smith & Williamson Bristol office managing partner Mike Lea said: “We are very pleased to sponsor this year’s film festival, which provides Bristol’s hugely talented film industry with an opportunity to showcase their own productions, alongside some of the nation’s favourite films – all under the umbrella theme of ‘Tension’.
“In addition to our wider festival sponsorship, we are delighted to support a number of special events, including the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame in the haunting atmosphere of Bristol Cathedral, and another which is still under wraps.
“However, I’ve been reliably informed that it will involve Aston Martins and a certain well known spy who likes his drink shaken not stirred. We look forward to welcoming our clients and guests to this event, and others, later in the year.”
Festival director Owen Franklin said: “We are grateful to Smith & Williamson for their support, which enables us to continue to bring such a full and diverse range of films and associated activities to this great city. 
“March will launch our programme but the schedule continues throughout 2017, and the expanding range of films, formats and venues is very exciting for us.
“We’ve got some great screenings, from blockbuster classics to upcoming local talent, and I hope that our audiences will share in our enthusiasm and support as many events as possible during the year ahead.”
The festival’s main programme begins next Thursday with films screened at interesting and unusual venues including Arnos Vale Cemetery, SS Great Britain and Redcliffe Caves.
The festival will be collaborating with Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival, which Smith & Williamson is also sponsoring, on March 16 at Colston Hall with a unique screening of Fritz Lang’s classic Metropolis featuring the world premiere of a new score written by Bristol sax legend Andy Sheppard and performed by his 10-piece band.
For more information on the film festival, visit www.bristolfilmfestival.com
