Dean Gardiner
I have been involved with Chagford Film Festival since 2011, initially as a sponsor and now as a committee member. I do not have any experience of the film industry or festivals, but my whole family like to join in with all that Chagford has to offer, so I am looking forward to making a contribution towards the organisation and running of this year’s festival.
Frances Everson
In another life I lived and worked in the LA film industry, but I left in my 30s to see the real world. I am still a fan of the big screen though – Netflix is all good but there is nothing like that moment in the cinema when the house lights go down and the opening credits roll! I’ve lived in Chagford since 2020 and very excited to be involved in CFF.
Penny Keen
I am the treasurer and project manager for the festival. I love anything to do with the glamorous, exciting, moving, life-enriching world of the cinema! I work in an administrative capacity, one way or another, for half of Chagford, and felt that the role of treasurer and general factotum would suit me down to the ground. Pop in to see me at any time, at the festival office: 42 The Square, Chagford (first floor, above the wine bar and shop).
Mary French
Together with my husband Graham, we run the Globe Inn in Chagford, a bustling pub at the heart of our local community. I am passionate about the community in which I live and work, wanting it to prosper so that it can continue to be the best place in the world to live.
For this reason, and because of my lifelong love of film, seven years ago I suggested to a group of friends, film buffs and local people who worked in film and the creative arts, that we should put on an annual film festival in Chagford. The idea took off, and it gives me great pleasure that from that original crazy idea, we have a very successful and popular annual festival.
I love what I do because it enables me to combine all my interests: film, music, theatre, community, family and friends. I’d love to see the festival continue to grow and bring new people to our beautiful corner of Dartmoor.
Lauren Thomas
Lauren Thomas I have lived in Chagford since 2014, having moved from Bristol to be closer to family. It is such an amazing place to raise my own children. I have always been involved with the festival, supporting my mum Mary, but now that I am a local I am enjoying being a fully fledged member of the committee. Although my film knowledge is not vast, I am a creative person who really enjoys contributing and planning the festival’s supporting events. I am also involved with coordinating Film Festival activities at the local primary school.
