The Glasgow Film Festival came to a close tonight with Joss Whedon visiting to introduce his version of Much Ado About Nothing. The gala première got off to a late start because the director was determined to say hello to every one of the fans who queued round the block to meet him, but viewers were still in ebulliant mood as they left for the subsequent party in the CCA.
Continuing to grow even in its ninth year, the festival sold over 39,000 tickets. "We are so thrilled and humbled that audiences responded in such record-breaking numbers to our most ambitious programme ever," said festival director Allan Hunter.
The festival included a number of unusual events that explored the borders between film and other creative arts. The video game strand was particularly successful, the fashion strand continued to experiment effectively and there were some interesting television cross-overs including a focus on Doctor Who that gained added poignancy following the death of original dalek designer Ray Cusick.
"This Festival is all about delivering magical events for our audience and from Jane Birkin on the eve of the Festival to Joss Whedon at the Closing Gala, it has been filled with unforgettable moments. I would just like to say a huge thanks to all of our partners and to our wonderful audiences who help make the Festival so special," said festival director Allison Gardner.
