Kinofilm is very pleased to announce Manchester based actress, Maxine Peake as a new patron.

With credits including SHAMELESS, RED RIDING and CRIMINAL JUSTICE, gifted RADA-trained actress Maxine Peake is becoming one of the most respected actresses working in the UK today.

“It's fantastic news for Manchester's cultural calendar that Kinofilm has returned. The festival provides a vital platform not only for local filmmakers but filmmakers from across the UK and Europe and it presents its audiences with access to the best short films around. I am honoured to be involved”, says Maxine.

Peake first starred in DINNERLADIES before winning her role as Veronica in the acclaimed series SHAMELESS. In 2006, she embarked on one of her greatest career challenges so far, starring as Myra Hindley in SEE NO EVIL: THE MOORS MURDERS. Peake then went on to appear as Tracy Temple in the TV drama, CONFESSIONS OF A DIARY SECRETARY, which told the story of John Prescott's affair with a co-worker.

In 2008 she won rave reviews playing opposite Ken Stott in HANCOCK AND JOAN, a riveting drama in BBC Four's CURSE OF COMEDY series. Her gripping portrayal of this part resulted in Maxine being nominated for 'Best Actress' at this year's BAFTA Television Awards.
 
Last year she starred in two landmark television dramas- the brilliant RED RIDING with Paddy Considine and Warren Clarke for Channel 4, which later won a South Bank Show Award for Best TV Drama. In November 2009 she gave a powerhouse performance in the BBC’s extraordinary drama, CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

She will next be seen starring in THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS ANNE LISTER, a bold and passionate new drama from the BBC written by Jane English and directed by James Kent.

Kinofilm 11 Manchester European Short Film Festival takes place from 27th April - 2nd May 2010.