Simon Pegg Cheltenham Film Festival patron

News – Local boy and Hollywood movie star Simon Pegg has given his backing to the Cheltenham Film Festival, announcing his role as patron this week.

In a particular coup for the fledging Cheltenham Film Festival which takes place in Gloucestershire this November, internationally renewed actor, comedian, writer, producer and director Simon Pegg has revealed his role as festival patron – it was announced this week.

Pegg was born in Gloucester and grew up locally, and organisers say he is proud of his roots in the county and is keen to encourage other who share his love of cinema.

‘It’s really important for me to support the festival. It’s what I love and it’s where I’m from,’ said Simon Pegg.

Explaining his commitment to the festival, Pegg added: ‘I’d love to see the Cheltenham Film Festival take its place alongside its more established counterparts. Cinema is as important in smaller towns and cities as it is in the bigger ones.

‘I grew up going to the cinema in Cheltenham and Gloucester, so it feels fitting to be associated with the festival. I’m extremely proud not only to be a patron but also to see such an event is taking place in my home county.’

While for festival founders and directors Martin Pilkington and Adam Clarke, securing Simon Pegg as patron is said to be a huge vote of confidence and a source of great pride.

‘We are so excited to have Simon Pegg’s support as patron of the Cheltenham Film Festival. It’s a huge honour. As the festival’s directors, Adam Clarke and I share Simon’s passion for cinema, and the programme we’ve created for our second year is a celebration of movie heritage as well as contemporary talent,’ revealed Martin Pilkington.

While diary commitments mean Pegg is unlikely to be able to attend the festival, this year’s programme will include appearances by actor, writer and director Steven Berkoff, plus film reviewers Barry Norman and Mark Kermode.

For more information about the event see Cheltenham Film Festival.

SoGlos.com
19 August 2011