British Film Festival
British filmmakers produce some of the best cinema in the world, evident from this year’s alluring selection of 20 films screening at the British Film Festival.
The festival opens with Military Wives, a film that centres on a lady (Kristin Scott Thomas) who forms a women’s choir in a military base while their husbands are away on duty. This is an inspiring and uplifting story that resonates the courage and determination of a group of women who attempt to continue on with a level of normality in their lives. This must-see film is followed by drinks, British fare, and live music.
Timothy Spall will be the festival guest in attendance at a selected screening of his new film Mrs Lowry & Son, the story of a man whose potential artistic flair is compromised by his overbearing mother, brilliantly portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave.
The closing night film The Good Liar is a drama starring Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen which should captivate audiences. McKellen plays the role of a con-artist who falls in love with a wealthy widow he is preying upon for financial gain.
Festival attendees who enjoy the retrospective programs must not miss the ‘Mirror on Mirren’, a selection of Dame Helen Mirren’s most popular films which include Age of Consent, O Lucky Man!, Calendar Girls and The Queen. (MMo)
Until Nov 24. Selected Palace Cinemas. $18-$80+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.britishfilmfestival.com.au
HOT PICKS
FARMING – This autobiographical film is based on the film director’s (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) actual experiences growing up in the dark world of a racist skinhead gang in 1980’s England. Stars Kate Beckinsale.
LIAM GALLAGHER: AS IT WAS – An insightful documentary that takes a look at the life of a musician who was regarded as a ‘rock god’ when only in his 20s. Commences from Liam’s split from Oasis.
OFFICIAL SECRETS – This incredible political thriller is based on true events and explores the events leading up to a British whistle blower’s leakage of information concerning the Iraqi invasion. Stars Kiera Knightley and Ralph Fiennes.
