British Film Festival
Image: CALIGULA. Image: film still
The British Film Festival returns this year presenting a program of 27 of the finest movies and documentaries that Britain has to offer.
It’s been said that Britain produces the best movies in the world. But what is it that stands British cinema aside from other countries?
“I think it’s because British cinema is gritty, it’s realistic and we certainly identify with the other characters, we feel a real empathy and understanding of them,’ enthused Kim Petalas, Festival Curator.
This is certainly the case with The Old Oak, a drama that should be universally appealing. The movie details how the locals react when Syrian asylum seekers are brought in to permanently reside in a small traditional British village. It’s a story inspired by true events which deals with themes of racism, tolerance and ultimately acceptance.
The Old Oak seemed a quasi-documentary style of filmmaking, where all the characters felt very real, as if they weren’t acting. “That’s Ken Loach’s style of direction which is very realistic, heartfelt and he explores all class structures,” explained Petalas, who shrugged off the notion that British cinema is solely for niche audiences.
“I think British cinema is very broad, some of the clever character studies are for niche audiences but then you have the big British blockbusters that perform so well, such as Love, Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.”
Fans of Hitchcock movies should attend screenings of the documentary My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock, which extensively researches and shows footage from most of Hitchcock’s movies. “Anybody who has an interest in cinema and the style of Alfred Hitchcock are going to be absolutely in for a treat with this documentary!”
Squaring The Circle – The Story Of Hipgnosis is a documentary that surrounds the iconic album art design studio Hipgnosis which created some of the most recognizable album covers of all time. This should appeal to people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s who grew up on the music of Pink Floyd, Wings, AC/DC, and Led Zepplin.
The retrospective programs are always quite popular and Petalas explained that it’s an important element because it ties the whole festival together. It gives audiences an opportunity to reflect on the past and also blends the past and the future together.
One retrospective title which was so controversial when it was released in 1981 that it compelled audiences to attend screenings was Caligula. Presented in a new 4K restoration, Caligula – The Ultimate Cut should also arouse interest for a whole new generation of moviegoers.
“It’s completely reconstructed. In the original version Helen Mirren’s screen time was only 11 minutes, but in this new version she’s in it for over an hour. Malcolm McDowell who distanced himself from the original movie, is proud and speaks very highly of this new cut.”
Petalas believes that the British Film Festival should be of interest to all audiences as there are the classics, dramas, quirky films, and great documentaries.
KIM’S HOT PICKS
ONE LIFE – The opening night movie stars Sir Anthony Hopkins and details the heroic deeds of Sir Nicholas Winton, known as the ‘British Schindler’, who helped rescue hundreds of Jewish children from Europe during WWII.
THE CRITIC – Sir Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton lead an all-star cast in this mischievous whodunnit concerning ambition, desire, blackmail, and betrayal.
PRETTY RED DRESS – Themes of self-discovery and gender expression resonate throughout this poignant queer drama set to the music of Tina Turner. The raw passion and energy in this film is amazing.
