007 Heaven in Cornwall
Your car-filled fantasies are about to become true, as James Bond's Aston Martin Vanquish from "Die Another Day", K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, the Batmobile and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang all roar down to St Agnes in Cornwall.
The National Film Exhibition will bring out the big kid in you as you wander around the other stars of the show; 007's Lotus Espirit from "The Spy Who
Loved Me" and his Aston Martin V8 from "Living Daylights". Wallace and Gromit, the animation figures will be there, as will Kevin Costner's costume from "Robin Hood Prince of Thieves".
For those who are mad about beautiful cars and enjoy their films, Travelsmith has a holiday package that includes free admission to the
National Film Exhibition at the brand new South West Film studios in St Agnes. Stay in your private two-bedroom apartment (that sleeps four), set in
the heart the beautiful village that is located near the sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and rolling surf of the Atlantic Coast. The Church View apartment comes with modern private facilities and nearby free parking areas.
Prices for seven night holidays commencing Saturdays start from #310 per apartment and in peak rise to #560 per apartment. All prices include free admission to the film exhibition. Please note Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on display on certain days by special arrangement and these days can be found by visiting www.thenationalfilmexhibition.com
For more information call Travelsmith on 01621 784 666 quoting "Offer C685".
Monday, June 30, 2003
RIDLEY SCOTT BACKS NEW UK TALENT INITIATIVE
Escape Studios, the UK’s premier visual effects school has announced the Ridley Scott Awards, a new initiative to seek out and support film, television and computer games creatives.
Award winning British director Ridley Scott who is supporting the awards has launched a new enterprise that seeks to reward and promote the very best creative talent in the visual effects and games industries. Ridley Scott, who used extensive special effects in films such as Gladiator, Alien and Blade Runner, said: "I am honoured to have these awards named after me. Escape's initiative is vital to the discovery of new talent for the UK's creative industries."
Together with Ridley Scott, Escape Studios has recognised that with the UK fast becoming a strong force in all areas of visual effects and games production, it is vital that efforts to encourage and develop the next generation of artists is maintained. For the Awards’ winners, the prizes on offer - which includes an exclusive training package at Escape Studios- will provide an enormous foot-up into a notoriously inaccessible profession; for Escape Studios, the winners will continue the flow of creative talent passing through their doors.
The Ridley Scott Awards comprises of four categories - Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics and Games - with each of these individually sponsored by a key organisation from the creative industry.
The Ridley Scott Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to enter the visual effects, games, television or animation industries but who doesn’t know how. Winners from each category will be given full training at Escape Studios; full copies of both Alias Wavefront’s Oscar winning 3D Animation package, Maya and Apple’s industry standard tool for digital compositing Shake, and an exclusive work experience placement with the corresponding sponsoring facility.
Escape’s Managing Director Dominic Davenport said: “Escape Studios are honoured to have the support of an industry luminary such as Ridley Scott as it only emphasises the importance of such an initiative and the benefits of industry focused education.”
Entry to the award scheme is open to anyone who is not currently employed in the fields of visual effects, 3D animation, motion graphics or games development. School leavers, college leavers and graduates or those wishing to enter the industry from other fields are all invited to participate. The closing date is Tuesday, 30 September 2003 and no entries received after this will be judged.
All entrants must enter online at www.escapestudios.co.uk in order to be eligible for the awards.
Escape’s Managing Director Dominic Davenport adds: “The Ridley Scott Awards are designed for those who have artistic skill but haven’t had the opportunity to be educated in the techniques and processes. These awards reward potential rather than accomplishment, a concept which is central to Escape Studios ethos.”
5104696
Escape Studios, the UK’s premier visual effects school has announced the Ridley Scott Awards, a new initiative to seek out and support film, television and computer games creatives.
Award winning British director Ridley Scott who is supporting the awards has launched a new enterprise that seeks to reward and promote the very best creative talent in the visual effects and games industries. Ridley Scott, who used extensive special effects in films such as Gladiator, Alien and Blade Runner, said: "I am honoured to have these awards named after me. Escape's initiative is vital to the discovery of new talent for the UK's creative industries."
Together with Ridley Scott, Escape Studios has recognised that with the UK fast becoming a strong force in all areas of visual effects and games production, it is vital that efforts to encourage and develop the next generation of artists is maintained. For the Awards’ winners, the prizes on offer - which includes an exclusive training package at Escape Studios- will provide an enormous foot-up into a notoriously inaccessible profession; for Escape Studios, the winners will continue the flow of creative talent passing through their doors.
The Ridley Scott Awards comprises of four categories - Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics and Games - with each of these individually sponsored by a key organisation from the creative industry.
The Ridley Scott Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to enter the visual effects, games, television or animation industries but who doesn’t know how. Winners from each category will be given full training at Escape Studios; full copies of both Alias Wavefront’s Oscar winning 3D Animation package, Maya and Apple’s industry standard tool for digital compositing Shake, and an exclusive work experience placement with the corresponding sponsoring facility.
Escape’s Managing Director Dominic Davenport said: “Escape Studios are honoured to have the support of an industry luminary such as Ridley Scott as it only emphasises the importance of such an initiative and the benefits of industry focused education.”
Entry to the award scheme is open to anyone who is not currently employed in the fields of visual effects, 3D animation, motion graphics or games development. School leavers, college leavers and graduates or those wishing to enter the industry from other fields are all invited to participate. The closing date is Tuesday, 30 September 2003 and no entries received after this will be judged.
All entrants must enter online at www.escapestudios.co.uk in order to be eligible for the awards.
Escape’s Managing Director Dominic Davenport adds: “The Ridley Scott Awards are designed for those who have artistic skill but haven’t had the opportunity to be educated in the techniques and processes. These awards reward potential rather than accomplishment, a concept which is central to Escape Studios ethos.”
5104696
Thursday, June 26, 2003
INDUSTRY GREAT AND GOOD GATHER TO SUPPORT GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL
A star studded line up of screen greats such as Ken Loach, Peter Mullan and Daniella Nardini will grace the UGC Cinema in Renfrew Street in Glasgow this Thursday (26 June) for the ninth Real to Reel Film Festival created by Cardonald College, Glasgow.
Legendary Film Director Ken Loach (currently filming in Glasgow) will make a speech on why he is so keen to return to Glasgow and Scotland time and time again to make films.
The acclaimed director and actor Peter Mullan, patron of the Real to Reel Film Festival, will open the ceremony via video as he is currently on location in LA.
"I am delighted to be patron of The Real to Reel Film Festival. I feel that the basic ideology of Real to Reel facilitates a great chance for new talent, based solely on merit and regardless of culture and budget providing
a genuine opportunity for new filmmakers from the international working classes," Mr Mullan said.
The ceremony is being presented by BBC Scotland's Janice Forsyth and award presenters include Daniella Nardini (This Life, Sirens, Rough Treatment) Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, Gangs of New York), Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen) Kathleen McDermott (Morven Callar) amongst others.
Nick Park (Wallace and Gromit) has sent a very amusing video endorsement congratulating the winner of the animation category and Craig Armstrong (Moulin Rouge) has left a good luck message to be read out during the proceedings requesting a new music category for next year!
Peter Mullan also hopes that his support will help Real to Reel expand into an independent, professional event for next year becoming Glasgow's International Short Film Festival.
The Festival consists of 5 categories: Drama, Documentary, Animation, Open and a New Community category to encourage young film makers from youth and drama groups.
A star studded line up of screen greats such as Ken Loach, Peter Mullan and Daniella Nardini will grace the UGC Cinema in Renfrew Street in Glasgow this Thursday (26 June) for the ninth Real to Reel Film Festival created by Cardonald College, Glasgow.
Legendary Film Director Ken Loach (currently filming in Glasgow) will make a speech on why he is so keen to return to Glasgow and Scotland time and time again to make films.
The acclaimed director and actor Peter Mullan, patron of the Real to Reel Film Festival, will open the ceremony via video as he is currently on location in LA.
"I am delighted to be patron of The Real to Reel Film Festival. I feel that the basic ideology of Real to Reel facilitates a great chance for new talent, based solely on merit and regardless of culture and budget providing
a genuine opportunity for new filmmakers from the international working classes," Mr Mullan said.
The ceremony is being presented by BBC Scotland's Janice Forsyth and award presenters include Daniella Nardini (This Life, Sirens, Rough Treatment) Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot, Gangs of New York), Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen) Kathleen McDermott (Morven Callar) amongst others.
Nick Park (Wallace and Gromit) has sent a very amusing video endorsement congratulating the winner of the animation category and Craig Armstrong (Moulin Rouge) has left a good luck message to be read out during the proceedings requesting a new music category for next year!
Peter Mullan also hopes that his support will help Real to Reel expand into an independent, professional event for next year becoming Glasgow's International Short Film Festival.
The Festival consists of 5 categories: Drama, Documentary, Animation, Open and a New Community category to encourage young film makers from youth and drama groups.
SNAP UP THE LATEST POCKET DVD DIGITAL CAMCORDERS ON NIFTY-GADGETS.NET
Steven Spielberg wannabes, Brad Pitt look-alikes and budding Nicole Kidmans are clawing to get their hands on the latest pocket DVD camcorders, available now on the Web's newest online gadget site, www.nifty-gadgets.net.
Retailing from just 99, some of the best mini movie-makers around - including Aiptek's immensely popular DV2 and DV3100 - are finding their way into the hands of tomorrow's film stars. Currently in stock and in high
demand is Aiptek's bestseller, the DV2 - a Pocket DVD camcorder that features a 1.4" colour LCD screen, expandable memory (through additional CompactFlash cards that can also be purchased through Nifty-Gadgets.net), audio/video out and a generous 1.3 Mega-Pixel resolution.
Visitors to Nifty-Gadgets.net looking for a digital camera will also be pleased to find Aiptek's PocketCam digital camera that comes complete with a digital zoom, 16 MB CF Card, TV out and 1.5" TFT LCD screen.
Steve Harris, General Manager, Nifty-Gadgets.net, enthused, "Pocket-sized DVD camcorders are definitely one of 2003's must-have gadgets and I am confident Nifty-Gadgets.net will be swamped with requests for digitals
cameras - especially with online stores such as Nifty-Gadgets.net slashing the prices consumers are paying on the high street."
For more information about Nifty-Gadgets.net log on to www.nifty-gadgets.net
Steven Spielberg wannabes, Brad Pitt look-alikes and budding Nicole Kidmans are clawing to get their hands on the latest pocket DVD camcorders, available now on the Web's newest online gadget site, www.nifty-gadgets.net.
Retailing from just 99, some of the best mini movie-makers around - including Aiptek's immensely popular DV2 and DV3100 - are finding their way into the hands of tomorrow's film stars. Currently in stock and in high
demand is Aiptek's bestseller, the DV2 - a Pocket DVD camcorder that features a 1.4" colour LCD screen, expandable memory (through additional CompactFlash cards that can also be purchased through Nifty-Gadgets.net), audio/video out and a generous 1.3 Mega-Pixel resolution.
Visitors to Nifty-Gadgets.net looking for a digital camera will also be pleased to find Aiptek's PocketCam digital camera that comes complete with a digital zoom, 16 MB CF Card, TV out and 1.5" TFT LCD screen.
Steve Harris, General Manager, Nifty-Gadgets.net, enthused, "Pocket-sized DVD camcorders are definitely one of 2003's must-have gadgets and I am confident Nifty-Gadgets.net will be swamped with requests for digitals
cameras - especially with online stores such as Nifty-Gadgets.net slashing the prices consumers are paying on the high street."
For more information about Nifty-Gadgets.net log on to www.nifty-gadgets.net
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
respect Festival
10-17 July 2003
a celebration of diversity through film
First ever respect film festival launches with gala screening of Raising Victor Vargas
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS by award winning director Peter Sollett will have an exclusive screening at the opening gala for the very first respectfilm, a week long season of films celebrating diversity from around the world, at cinemas across London from 10-17 July. Raising Victor Vargas tells the story of young love in New York's Lower East Side and has received excellent reviews in the States. The film will be screened at the Curzon Mayfair on Thursday 10 July.
respectFilm is being programmed by Marc Boothe on behalf of the Mayor of London and will be one of the highlights of respect week , a wide-ranging programme of arts, community and educational events taking place across the capital in the run up to the Mayor's respect anti-racist festival at the Dome, Greenwich on 19 July.
Amongst several premieres and exclusive screening are STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN, the documentary and live performance film about the pivotal role played by the Funk Brothers in the musical legacy that spawned the once ubiquitous 'Motown sound', which changed the course of music around the world, will close the festival at the Ritzy, Brixton, on Thursday 17 July.
There will be world premiere screenings of SCARRED, TASVIH and A LONG WAY FROM PICCADILLY, three films made by and for refugees living in London and funded by the Princess Diana Memorial Fund and the Prince’s Trust. Other festival highlights include Rick Famuyiwa's hip-hop tale BROWN SUGAR and Rick Elgood and Don Letts' Jamaican feature ONE LOVE, about love across religious and social borders.
There will also be an exclusive preview screening of THE MAKING OF 1 GIANT LEAP, the Duncan Bridgeman-Jamie Catto movie record of their musical tour of 25 countries, including a Q&A with Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman.
Other special events include Q&As with Sophie Fiennes (director, HOOVER STREET REVIVAL); Michael Ocelot (KIRIKOU – THE SORCERESS); Safina Uberoi (MY MOTHER INDIA), whilst One Love will be introduced by directors Rick Elgood and Don Letts.
Also due to take part in education events are screenwriter Tony Grisoni at a special screening of Michael Winterbottom's IN THIS WORLD and broadcaster Henry Bonsu, who will be talking to actor Chiwetel Ejiofor from Stephen Frears' DIRTY PRETTY THINGS. Playwright and critic Bonnie Greer will be interviewed by film critic Peter Curran at a special showing of her favourite film, THE THIRD MAN.
Marc Boothe says: 'The respectFilm festival provide a unique and much needed platform for London's multi-ethnic communities to celebrate the wealth and diversity of stories from the around the world on the 'Big Screen. It's a great honour to be part of something that is so positive and inclusive.'
respectFilm takes place from 10-17 July at the Curzon Mayfair, the Other Cinema, Ritzy Cinema, Brixton, Rio Cinema, Hackney, Genesis Cinema, Mile End, and the ICA.
The festival programme is as follows:
RespectFilm
THURSDAY 10 JULY
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS OPENING NIGHT GALA
Peter Sollett/US/2003/88mins/cert 15
Victor Vargas (Victor Rasuk), is a self-styled lower east-side teenage Casanova who, despite his adolescent hubris, has a lot to learn about love. Caught between regaining his grandmother’s trust and helping his kid brother and sister negotiate the oft-baffling ways of the world, Victor discovers that there’s a difference between acting like a man and becoming one.
Plus
SCARRED World Premiere
UK/2003/12mins/cert 16
See special events
Curzon Mayfair Thursday 10 July 6.30pm £8.50
FRIDAY 11 JULY
THE CLAY BIRD (Matir Mona)
Tareque Masud/Bangladesh/2002/100mins/English subtitles/cert 15
Cannes award-winning story tells of family life during the upheavals of East Pakistan in the 1960s.
Check Box Office for details 020 7780 2000
Genesis Friday 11 July at 3pm 6pm 9pm £5.50/£4.50/£3.65
MY MOTHER INDIA
Safina Uberoi/Australia/2001/52mins/no certificate
Delightful portrait of the director’s family introduces us to a kitsch academic father, an Australian mother and their Indian neighbours. What begins as a humorous documentary unfolds into a complex commentary on the social, political and religious events of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, which tore this family apart. Includes Q&A with director Safina Uberoi
ICA Friday 11 & Friday 18 July at 7pm £6.50/£5.50
SATURDAY 12 JULY
SERIOUS ABOUT SHORTS: DIASPORA SHORTS SHOWCASE
Produced by B3 media
A short film showcase featuring the best in short films from the UK’s Black and Asian filmmakers. Shot on film and digitally the showcase will provide a unique opportunity to discover tomorrow’s hot talent today.
Curzon Mayfair Saturday 12 July 11am £3
COWBOY BE-BOP: the Movie
Shinichiro Watanabe/Japan/2003/115mins/English subtitles/Cert 12A
In the days leading up to Halloween 2071 the bounty hunting crew of the spaceship BeBop are bored and broke. This Bladerunner-esque post-modern anime epic delights with its goony touches and unexpected delicacy.
ICA Saturday 12 July 2pm & 10.30pm £6.50/£5.50
HOOVER STREET REVIVAL
Sophie Fiennes/US/2002/100mins/Cert U
This unique and innovative film takes as its subject life, death and the Word of God as experienced around Greater Bethany Community Church, in the notorious South Central, LA.
Includes Q&A with director Sophie Fiennes
The Other Cinema Saturday 12 July 6.30pm £7/£4
SUNDAY 13 JULY
'MY FAVORITE FILM': THE THIRD MAN
Carol Reed/US/1949/105mins/cert U
Playwright and critic Bonnie Greer introduces a special showing of her favourite film: Carol Reed’s classic THE THIRD MAN. Interviewed by Peter Curran from BBC LDN The Big Picture 94.9FM.
Curzon Mayfair Sunday 13 July 1pm £6
Double Bill
HAMMAM - THE TURKISH BATH
Ferzan Ozpetek/Italy-Turkey-Spain/1997/98mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
Rome interior designer Francesco leaves his fading marriage behind when he travels to Istanbul to assess the inheritance left by his aunt, an old-fashioned Turkish bath (or 'hammam').
+ IGNORANT FAIRIES
Ferzan Ozpetek/Italy/2001/105mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
Stefano Accorsi, Margherita Buy.
Contrasting lifestyles and unveiling desires, the third film from Turkish-born director Ozpetek is his first based fully in Italy. An affluent thirtysomething doctor (Buy) is distraught after the death of her husband and shocked to discover that he had long-term male lover.
Rio Cinema Sunday 13 July 2pm £7/£5.50
KIRIKOU – THE SORCERESS
Michael Ocelot/ France/1998/74mins/Cert U
The tiny Kirikou is born into an African village upon which a sorceress called Karaba has cast a terrible spell. His adventure-filled voyage leads him to the forbidden mountain, where the wise man of the mountain, who knows of Karaba and her secrets awaits him. Kirikou's stunning visuals are accented by a traditional music soundtrack by African music giant Youssou N'Dour of Senegal.
plus face painters and live African drumming and Q&A with Michael Ocelot.
Ritzy Cinema Sunday 13 July 4.30pm £5
BROWN SUGAR EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SCREENING
Rick Famuyiwa/US/2002/109mins/cert 12A
Starring: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Mos Def, Queen Latifah. Dre and Sidney attribute their friendship and their careers to a single moment - the day they discovered hip-hop. Now some 15 years later, as they lay down the tracks toward their futures, hip-hop isn't the only thing that keeps them coming back to that moment.
Ritzy Brixton Sunday 13 July 7pm £7/£4
MONDAY 14 JULY
BREATH CONTROL: HISTORY OF THE HUMAN BEAT BOX
Joey Garfield/ 2002/ US/ 74mins/cert 15
Forget samplers, drum machines and devices: this is the real deal. Going back as far as the DJ and breakdancing in Hip Hop culture is the art of making music using just the human voice. The first documentary on this skill, using new interviews with those involved, including Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie (The Diabolical) and The Fat Boys. + Diaspora Shorts
The Other Cinema Monday 14 July 7pm £4
TUESDAY 15 JULY
ONE LOVE LONDON PREMIERE
Rick Elgood & Don Letts/Jamaica/2003/tbc mins/cert tbc
Starring Ky-Mani Marley, Cherine Anderson and Vas Blackwood. A contemporary Jamaican 'Romeo and Juliet', One Love tells the tale of young Rasta reggae musician Kassa and Serena, the gospel singing daughter of a Pentecostal preacher who are brought together through their mutual love of music. Introduced by the directors.
Curzon Mayfair Tuesday 15 July 6.30pm £8.50
MON-RAK TRANSISTOR (A Transistor Love Story)
Pen-ek Ratanaruang/Thailand/2001/120mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
From the producers of Tears of the Black Tiger comes the perfect summer movie, a potent blend of Elvis Presley-style musical, love story and poisonous social satire in Hysteric Glamour t-shirts.
ICA ALL WEEK 8.45pm £6.50/£5.50
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY
THE MAKING OF 1 GIANT LEAP EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Duncan Bridgeman, Jamie Catto/UK/2002/155min/cert PG
In 2001, Jamie Catto, film-maker and founding member of Faithless and artist/producer Duncan Bridgeman, joined forces to create the project, 1 Giant Leap. They embarked upon a journey of 25 countries including Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, India, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom, equipped solely with a digital camera and a laptop. This is the story of that journey.
+ Diaspora Shorts and masterclass Q&A with Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman
The Other Cinema Wednesday 16 July 6.30pm £7/£4
THURSDAY 17 JULY
STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN CLOSING NIGHT GALA
Paul Justman /US/2002/116mins/cert PG
Their music is famous around the world, though their names are not. Known as the Funk Brothers, they put the soul into the hits of such legendary performers as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Standing In The Shadows of Motown tells their story, combining exclusive interviews, archival footage and thrilling new performances, the Funk Brothers backing up Chaka Khan, Ben Harper, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Bootsy Collins.
Ritzy Brixton Thursday 17 July 9pm £7/£4
SPECIAL EVENTS
'23:59' Digital Short Film Competition
Calling all 'guerrilla' filmmakers! The rules are simple: 24 hours to shoot; 24 hours to edit. All you need is an idea, a crew and a weekend. For more information contact info@b3media.co.uk.
Ritzy Brixton 18-20 July
Refugee Short Film Project
In partnership with the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, the Prince's Trust has supported The Transient Film exchange to bring together a group of young refugees living in London, to produce short hard-hitting dramas shot on video. The films, Scarred, Tasvih and A Long Way from Piccadilly will be shown throughout the week before our features and documentaries.
EDUCATION EVENTS
Produced by Film Education in association with B3 Media, suitable for people with or without knowledge of film. 15 years and above. All seats cost £1.
IN THIS WORLD
Michael Winterbottom/UK/2002/89mins/cert 15
This highly acclaimed film follows Jamal and Enayatullah as they set out to travel overland to London, passing through Iran, Turkey, Italy and France, in a journey which is so arduous and life threatening that one is constantly aware of the desperation that lies behind it. Includes Q&A with screenwriter Tony Grisoni.
Curzon Mayfair Friday 11 July at 10.30am
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
Stephen Frears/UK /2002/97mins/cert 15
An urban thriller in which an African night porter enlists the help of a prostitute, a chambermaid and a mortuary technician to solve a bizarre murder. Set in a world of asylum seekers that lies behind the familiar urban metropolis, it is a tale of two cities, both set in London. Includes Q&A with Chiwetel Ejiofor (TBC) and Broadcaster Henry Bonsu.
Curzon Mayfair Monday 14 July 10.30am
More information at:
respect Festival
10-17 July 2003
a celebration of diversity through film
First ever respect film festival launches with gala screening of Raising Victor Vargas
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS by award winning director Peter Sollett will have an exclusive screening at the opening gala for the very first respectfilm, a week long season of films celebrating diversity from around the world, at cinemas across London from 10-17 July. Raising Victor Vargas tells the story of young love in New York's Lower East Side and has received excellent reviews in the States. The film will be screened at the Curzon Mayfair on Thursday 10 July.
respectFilm is being programmed by Marc Boothe on behalf of the Mayor of London and will be one of the highlights of respect week , a wide-ranging programme of arts, community and educational events taking place across the capital in the run up to the Mayor's respect anti-racist festival at the Dome, Greenwich on 19 July.
Amongst several premieres and exclusive screening are STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN, the documentary and live performance film about the pivotal role played by the Funk Brothers in the musical legacy that spawned the once ubiquitous 'Motown sound', which changed the course of music around the world, will close the festival at the Ritzy, Brixton, on Thursday 17 July.
There will be world premiere screenings of SCARRED, TASVIH and A LONG WAY FROM PICCADILLY, three films made by and for refugees living in London and funded by the Princess Diana Memorial Fund and the Prince’s Trust. Other festival highlights include Rick Famuyiwa's hip-hop tale BROWN SUGAR and Rick Elgood and Don Letts' Jamaican feature ONE LOVE, about love across religious and social borders.
There will also be an exclusive preview screening of THE MAKING OF 1 GIANT LEAP, the Duncan Bridgeman-Jamie Catto movie record of their musical tour of 25 countries, including a Q&A with Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman.
Other special events include Q&As with Sophie Fiennes (director, HOOVER STREET REVIVAL); Michael Ocelot (KIRIKOU – THE SORCERESS); Safina Uberoi (MY MOTHER INDIA), whilst One Love will be introduced by directors Rick Elgood and Don Letts.
Also due to take part in education events are screenwriter Tony Grisoni at a special screening of Michael Winterbottom's IN THIS WORLD and broadcaster Henry Bonsu, who will be talking to actor Chiwetel Ejiofor from Stephen Frears' DIRTY PRETTY THINGS. Playwright and critic Bonnie Greer will be interviewed by film critic Peter Curran at a special showing of her favourite film, THE THIRD MAN.
Marc Boothe says: 'The respectFilm festival provide a unique and much needed platform for London's multi-ethnic communities to celebrate the wealth and diversity of stories from the around the world on the 'Big Screen. It's a great honour to be part of something that is so positive and inclusive.'
respectFilm takes place from 10-17 July at the Curzon Mayfair, the Other Cinema, Ritzy Cinema, Brixton, Rio Cinema, Hackney, Genesis Cinema, Mile End, and the ICA.
The festival programme is as follows:
RespectFilm
THURSDAY 10 JULY
RAISING VICTOR VARGAS OPENING NIGHT GALA
Peter Sollett/US/2003/88mins/cert 15
Victor Vargas (Victor Rasuk), is a self-styled lower east-side teenage Casanova who, despite his adolescent hubris, has a lot to learn about love. Caught between regaining his grandmother’s trust and helping his kid brother and sister negotiate the oft-baffling ways of the world, Victor discovers that there’s a difference between acting like a man and becoming one.
Plus
SCARRED World Premiere
UK/2003/12mins/cert 16
See special events
Curzon Mayfair Thursday 10 July 6.30pm £8.50
FRIDAY 11 JULY
THE CLAY BIRD (Matir Mona)
Tareque Masud/Bangladesh/2002/100mins/English subtitles/cert 15
Cannes award-winning story tells of family life during the upheavals of East Pakistan in the 1960s.
Check Box Office for details 020 7780 2000
Genesis Friday 11 July at 3pm 6pm 9pm £5.50/£4.50/£3.65
MY MOTHER INDIA
Safina Uberoi/Australia/2001/52mins/no certificate
Delightful portrait of the director’s family introduces us to a kitsch academic father, an Australian mother and their Indian neighbours. What begins as a humorous documentary unfolds into a complex commentary on the social, political and religious events of the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, which tore this family apart. Includes Q&A with director Safina Uberoi
ICA Friday 11 & Friday 18 July at 7pm £6.50/£5.50
SATURDAY 12 JULY
SERIOUS ABOUT SHORTS: DIASPORA SHORTS SHOWCASE
Produced by B3 media
A short film showcase featuring the best in short films from the UK’s Black and Asian filmmakers. Shot on film and digitally the showcase will provide a unique opportunity to discover tomorrow’s hot talent today.
Curzon Mayfair Saturday 12 July 11am £3
COWBOY BE-BOP: the Movie
Shinichiro Watanabe/Japan/2003/115mins/English subtitles/Cert 12A
In the days leading up to Halloween 2071 the bounty hunting crew of the spaceship BeBop are bored and broke. This Bladerunner-esque post-modern anime epic delights with its goony touches and unexpected delicacy.
ICA Saturday 12 July 2pm & 10.30pm £6.50/£5.50
HOOVER STREET REVIVAL
Sophie Fiennes/US/2002/100mins/Cert U
This unique and innovative film takes as its subject life, death and the Word of God as experienced around Greater Bethany Community Church, in the notorious South Central, LA.
Includes Q&A with director Sophie Fiennes
The Other Cinema Saturday 12 July 6.30pm £7/£4
SUNDAY 13 JULY
'MY FAVORITE FILM': THE THIRD MAN
Carol Reed/US/1949/105mins/cert U
Playwright and critic Bonnie Greer introduces a special showing of her favourite film: Carol Reed’s classic THE THIRD MAN. Interviewed by Peter Curran from BBC LDN The Big Picture 94.9FM.
Curzon Mayfair Sunday 13 July 1pm £6
Double Bill
HAMMAM - THE TURKISH BATH
Ferzan Ozpetek/Italy-Turkey-Spain/1997/98mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
Rome interior designer Francesco leaves his fading marriage behind when he travels to Istanbul to assess the inheritance left by his aunt, an old-fashioned Turkish bath (or 'hammam').
+ IGNORANT FAIRIES
Ferzan Ozpetek/Italy/2001/105mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
Stefano Accorsi, Margherita Buy.
Contrasting lifestyles and unveiling desires, the third film from Turkish-born director Ozpetek is his first based fully in Italy. An affluent thirtysomething doctor (Buy) is distraught after the death of her husband and shocked to discover that he had long-term male lover.
Rio Cinema Sunday 13 July 2pm £7/£5.50
KIRIKOU – THE SORCERESS
Michael Ocelot/ France/1998/74mins/Cert U
The tiny Kirikou is born into an African village upon which a sorceress called Karaba has cast a terrible spell. His adventure-filled voyage leads him to the forbidden mountain, where the wise man of the mountain, who knows of Karaba and her secrets awaits him. Kirikou's stunning visuals are accented by a traditional music soundtrack by African music giant Youssou N'Dour of Senegal.
plus face painters and live African drumming and Q&A with Michael Ocelot.
Ritzy Cinema Sunday 13 July 4.30pm £5
BROWN SUGAR EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW SCREENING
Rick Famuyiwa/US/2002/109mins/cert 12A
Starring: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Mos Def, Queen Latifah. Dre and Sidney attribute their friendship and their careers to a single moment - the day they discovered hip-hop. Now some 15 years later, as they lay down the tracks toward their futures, hip-hop isn't the only thing that keeps them coming back to that moment.
Ritzy Brixton Sunday 13 July 7pm £7/£4
MONDAY 14 JULY
BREATH CONTROL: HISTORY OF THE HUMAN BEAT BOX
Joey Garfield/ 2002/ US/ 74mins/cert 15
Forget samplers, drum machines and devices: this is the real deal. Going back as far as the DJ and breakdancing in Hip Hop culture is the art of making music using just the human voice. The first documentary on this skill, using new interviews with those involved, including Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie (The Diabolical) and The Fat Boys. + Diaspora Shorts
The Other Cinema Monday 14 July 7pm £4
TUESDAY 15 JULY
ONE LOVE LONDON PREMIERE
Rick Elgood & Don Letts/Jamaica/2003/tbc mins/cert tbc
Starring Ky-Mani Marley, Cherine Anderson and Vas Blackwood. A contemporary Jamaican 'Romeo and Juliet', One Love tells the tale of young Rasta reggae musician Kassa and Serena, the gospel singing daughter of a Pentecostal preacher who are brought together through their mutual love of music. Introduced by the directors.
Curzon Mayfair Tuesday 15 July 6.30pm £8.50
MON-RAK TRANSISTOR (A Transistor Love Story)
Pen-ek Ratanaruang/Thailand/2001/120mins/English subtitles/Cert 15
From the producers of Tears of the Black Tiger comes the perfect summer movie, a potent blend of Elvis Presley-style musical, love story and poisonous social satire in Hysteric Glamour t-shirts.
ICA ALL WEEK 8.45pm £6.50/£5.50
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY
THE MAKING OF 1 GIANT LEAP EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Duncan Bridgeman, Jamie Catto/UK/2002/155min/cert PG
In 2001, Jamie Catto, film-maker and founding member of Faithless and artist/producer Duncan Bridgeman, joined forces to create the project, 1 Giant Leap. They embarked upon a journey of 25 countries including Senegal, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, India, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom, equipped solely with a digital camera and a laptop. This is the story of that journey.
+ Diaspora Shorts and masterclass Q&A with Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman
The Other Cinema Wednesday 16 July 6.30pm £7/£4
THURSDAY 17 JULY
STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN CLOSING NIGHT GALA
Paul Justman /US/2002/116mins/cert PG
Their music is famous around the world, though their names are not. Known as the Funk Brothers, they put the soul into the hits of such legendary performers as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Standing In The Shadows of Motown tells their story, combining exclusive interviews, archival footage and thrilling new performances, the Funk Brothers backing up Chaka Khan, Ben Harper, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Bootsy Collins.
Ritzy Brixton Thursday 17 July 9pm £7/£4
SPECIAL EVENTS
'23:59' Digital Short Film Competition
Calling all 'guerrilla' filmmakers! The rules are simple: 24 hours to shoot; 24 hours to edit. All you need is an idea, a crew and a weekend. For more information contact info@b3media.co.uk.
Ritzy Brixton 18-20 July
Refugee Short Film Project
In partnership with the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, the Prince's Trust has supported The Transient Film exchange to bring together a group of young refugees living in London, to produce short hard-hitting dramas shot on video. The films, Scarred, Tasvih and A Long Way from Piccadilly will be shown throughout the week before our features and documentaries.
EDUCATION EVENTS
Produced by Film Education in association with B3 Media, suitable for people with or without knowledge of film. 15 years and above. All seats cost £1.
IN THIS WORLD
Michael Winterbottom/UK/2002/89mins/cert 15
This highly acclaimed film follows Jamal and Enayatullah as they set out to travel overland to London, passing through Iran, Turkey, Italy and France, in a journey which is so arduous and life threatening that one is constantly aware of the desperation that lies behind it. Includes Q&A with screenwriter Tony Grisoni.
Curzon Mayfair Friday 11 July at 10.30am
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
Stephen Frears/UK /2002/97mins/cert 15
An urban thriller in which an African night porter enlists the help of a prostitute, a chambermaid and a mortuary technician to solve a bizarre murder. Set in a world of asylum seekers that lies behind the familiar urban metropolis, it is a tale of two cities, both set in London. Includes Q&A with Chiwetel Ejiofor (TBC) and Broadcaster Henry Bonsu.
Curzon Mayfair Monday 14 July 10.30am
More information at:
respect Festival
Monday, June 23, 2003
Talking Pictures
Virtual Stuntmen Debut in Hollywood Epic Troy
Oxford technology chosen for Warner Bros production starring Brad Pitt
The first ever Virtual Stuntmen will be used in Troy, the Hollywood Iliad adaptation directed by Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Seven) as Achilles.
Leading visual effects house The Moving Picture Company chose virtual humans developed by NaturalMotion, an Oxford University spin-off company, to help create ultra-realistic action scenes for the movie.
NaturalMotion's software endorphin, born out of Oxford University Zoology research into human motion, uniquely creates virtual characters whose bodies react exactly like real humans to whatever forces are applied to them - offering infinite and totally realistic reactions to, for example, explosions, falls, punches or whatever else an action scene might require.
endorphin uses NaturalMotion's Active Character Technology, which simulates the actor's brain as well as their body. The virtual actors learn how to move and react using neural networks and artificial evolution. They sense and react to the environment and can be directed just like real actors.
Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion, was doing a Zoology DPhil in Zoology at Oxford, studying the neurobiology of human motion through computer modelling, when he and his colleagues realised the commercial possibilities of their work. Founded in 2001 with Colm Massey and David Raubenheimer, the company looks set to hit new levels of success with this kind of Hollywood collaboration. "We're proud that MPC have chosen our technology for this project," said Torsten. "endorphin is a powerful piece of software, and with MPC's track record, we're looking forward to some incredible scenes."
Julian Mann of The Moving Picture Company said: "endorphin gives us the ability to identify stunt requirements and generate motion capture in a matter of minutes. The data from endorphin is the perfect complement to traditional motion capture data. endorphin stunt men never sleep, they never need an ambulance and they quite happily work after being decapitated."
Torsten Reil: "We spent a long time teaching our virtual actors the necessary skills for this. It's a great feeling seeing them used in such an impressive project."
Shooting for Troy has started in April. The film will be in cinemas in 2004.
Hmmm...so now there'll be films that will not injure or distress animals AND humans during their making, which is good but the next move is to have virtual audiences who won't drop pop corn or slurp cola all over multi-plex seats.
Virtual Stuntmen Debut in Hollywood Epic Troy
Oxford technology chosen for Warner Bros production starring Brad Pitt
The first ever Virtual Stuntmen will be used in Troy, the Hollywood Iliad adaptation directed by Wolfgang Petersen, starring Brad Pitt (Fight Club, Seven) as Achilles.
Leading visual effects house The Moving Picture Company chose virtual humans developed by NaturalMotion, an Oxford University spin-off company, to help create ultra-realistic action scenes for the movie.
NaturalMotion's software endorphin, born out of Oxford University Zoology research into human motion, uniquely creates virtual characters whose bodies react exactly like real humans to whatever forces are applied to them - offering infinite and totally realistic reactions to, for example, explosions, falls, punches or whatever else an action scene might require.
endorphin uses NaturalMotion's Active Character Technology, which simulates the actor's brain as well as their body. The virtual actors learn how to move and react using neural networks and artificial evolution. They sense and react to the environment and can be directed just like real actors.
Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion, was doing a Zoology DPhil in Zoology at Oxford, studying the neurobiology of human motion through computer modelling, when he and his colleagues realised the commercial possibilities of their work. Founded in 2001 with Colm Massey and David Raubenheimer, the company looks set to hit new levels of success with this kind of Hollywood collaboration. "We're proud that MPC have chosen our technology for this project," said Torsten. "endorphin is a powerful piece of software, and with MPC's track record, we're looking forward to some incredible scenes."
Julian Mann of The Moving Picture Company said: "endorphin gives us the ability to identify stunt requirements and generate motion capture in a matter of minutes. The data from endorphin is the perfect complement to traditional motion capture data. endorphin stunt men never sleep, they never need an ambulance and they quite happily work after being decapitated."
Torsten Reil: "We spent a long time teaching our virtual actors the necessary skills for this. It's a great feeling seeing them used in such an impressive project."
Shooting for Troy has started in April. The film will be in cinemas in 2004.
Hmmm...so now there'll be films that will not injure or distress animals AND humans during their making, which is good but the next move is to have virtual audiences who won't drop pop corn or slurp cola all over multi-plex seats.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Talking Pictures
Exploring your Mind
Award winning producers, Undercurrents have just released Evolving Minds, a documentary exploring altered realities. We ask just how useful is a Spiritual path? what is the connection between madness and what we eat? Why were British troops given LSD?
Director of the ground breaking work, Melissa Gunasena asks: "What is reality and who defines it? Within Evolving Minds I offer a fresh perspective on alternatives to the mental health system. By presenting clear information in a humorous style I have covered diverse topics such as shamanism, nutrition, war, psychotherapy, meditation and protest against mental health legislation. I believe this will be useful film for anyone suffering from the stress of todays fast paced world."
Evolving Minds can be viewed here:
http://showcase.commedia.org.uk/article/articleview/354/1/75/
VHS Copies of Evolving Minds are available for purchase from:
http://www.undercurrents.org/minds
Exploring your Mind
Award winning producers, Undercurrents have just released Evolving Minds, a documentary exploring altered realities. We ask just how useful is a Spiritual path? what is the connection between madness and what we eat? Why were British troops given LSD?
Director of the ground breaking work, Melissa Gunasena asks: "What is reality and who defines it? Within Evolving Minds I offer a fresh perspective on alternatives to the mental health system. By presenting clear information in a humorous style I have covered diverse topics such as shamanism, nutrition, war, psychotherapy, meditation and protest against mental health legislation. I believe this will be useful film for anyone suffering from the stress of todays fast paced world."
Evolving Minds can be viewed here:
http://showcase.commedia.org.uk/article/articleview/354/1/75/
VHS Copies of Evolving Minds are available for purchase from:
http://www.undercurrents.org/minds
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
CITIZEN KANE
It's rated by most critics as the greatest movie of all time. Certainly it is Orson Welles' first and best film. To judge for yourself Universal are releasing a freshly re-mastered video and two-disc DVD special edition of this classic. See our review at:
Citizen Kane
It's rated by most critics as the greatest movie of all time. Certainly it is Orson Welles' first and best film. To judge for yourself Universal are releasing a freshly re-mastered video and two-disc DVD special edition of this classic. See our review at:
Citizen Kane
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Reel Madness Film Festival
Only two days until the launch of the Reel Madness Film Festival
On Saturday 21st June at 7pm Dr Raj Persaud introduces ‘Completely Cuckoo’ in the UK premier of this illuminating documentary about the making of the ground-breaking ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’
‘Completely Cuckoo’ is Charles Kiselyak’s 1988 documentary about the pre-history, the making, and the reception of the film, featuring luminaries such as real hospital psychiatrist Dean R Brooks playing Dr John Spivey; producer Michael Douglas and director Milos Foreman.
To see what the Guardian had to say about the film go to -
film.guardian.co.uk
For tickets call the ICA box office on 020 726 7722
See full details at: www.reelmadness.co.uk
Further info email: sheena@reelmadness.co.uk
Only two days until the launch of the Reel Madness Film Festival
On Saturday 21st June at 7pm Dr Raj Persaud introduces ‘Completely Cuckoo’ in the UK premier of this illuminating documentary about the making of the ground-breaking ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’
‘Completely Cuckoo’ is Charles Kiselyak’s 1988 documentary about the pre-history, the making, and the reception of the film, featuring luminaries such as real hospital psychiatrist Dean R Brooks playing Dr John Spivey; producer Michael Douglas and director Milos Foreman.
To see what the Guardian had to say about the film go to -
film.guardian.co.uk
For tickets call the ICA box office on 020 726 7722
See full details at: www.reelmadness.co.uk
Further info email: sheena@reelmadness.co.uk
Monday, June 16, 2003
Talking Pictures
Portobello Film Festival 2003
1 - 18 August 2003
Westbourne Studios Acklam Road London W10
Emslie Hornimans Park Kensal Road London W10
Electric Cinema Portobello Road London W11
The Tabernacle Powis Square London W11
The Portobello Film Festival is unlike any other. This is filmmaking of the raw and, sometimes, rude school, passionate, obsessive, and, above all, experimental.
With a breathtaking programme of over 500 shorts and features, audiences will experience some of the most innovative and culturally diverse filmmaking around. Documentaries, music, animation, drama and travel are just some of the genres featured, others we couldn’t categorise. (Nor would we want to).
Showing everything from “A Tribute To Joe Strummer” featuring rare and unseen Clash footage to the best in new Iranian short filmmaking, from an Extreme Sports selection to an Italian evening, from club films by Pinkypoos and Kinky Gerlinky to an exciting contemporary South African programme.
The Festival climaxes with three days of Megascreen madness in one of Portobello’s superb local parks. This is cinema alfresco at its best, a superbly programmed festival-within-a-festival, featuring everything from family films, to classics, to independent shorts. Sunshine guaranteed.
Free-for-all
Entry to the Festival is free. Free to enter, free to leave, free to think and free to be…
Portobello Film Festival was founded in 1996 as a showcase for Independent film. One of Europe’s largest, it provides a mutually supportive platform on which to show films, share ideas and promote grass-root creativity.Submission policy.
We don’t have one - every film submitted is screened. The festival accepts either shorts or feature length, on DVD and video. We’re especially looking for pieces, which challenge cinematic boundaries but, above all, inspire and motivate others to create film.
Weekly screenings throughout the year.
Find us at portobellofilmfestival.com - where you can download an entry form. Alternatively, we’re at the Video Café, Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, W10, every Wednesday from 6 – 11pm.
For more info visit their website at:
http://www.portobellofilmfestival.com/pff2003preview.html
Contact Jonathan Barnett on 020 8960 0996
Portobello Film Festival 2003
1 - 18 August 2003
Westbourne Studios Acklam Road London W10
Emslie Hornimans Park Kensal Road London W10
Electric Cinema Portobello Road London W11
The Tabernacle Powis Square London W11
The Portobello Film Festival is unlike any other. This is filmmaking of the raw and, sometimes, rude school, passionate, obsessive, and, above all, experimental.
With a breathtaking programme of over 500 shorts and features, audiences will experience some of the most innovative and culturally diverse filmmaking around. Documentaries, music, animation, drama and travel are just some of the genres featured, others we couldn’t categorise. (Nor would we want to).
Showing everything from “A Tribute To Joe Strummer” featuring rare and unseen Clash footage to the best in new Iranian short filmmaking, from an Extreme Sports selection to an Italian evening, from club films by Pinkypoos and Kinky Gerlinky to an exciting contemporary South African programme.
The Festival climaxes with three days of Megascreen madness in one of Portobello’s superb local parks. This is cinema alfresco at its best, a superbly programmed festival-within-a-festival, featuring everything from family films, to classics, to independent shorts. Sunshine guaranteed.
Free-for-all
Entry to the Festival is free. Free to enter, free to leave, free to think and free to be…
Portobello Film Festival was founded in 1996 as a showcase for Independent film. One of Europe’s largest, it provides a mutually supportive platform on which to show films, share ideas and promote grass-root creativity.Submission policy.
We don’t have one - every film submitted is screened. The festival accepts either shorts or feature length, on DVD and video. We’re especially looking for pieces, which challenge cinematic boundaries but, above all, inspire and motivate others to create film.
Weekly screenings throughout the year.
Find us at portobellofilmfestival.com - where you can download an entry form. Alternatively, we’re at the Video Café, Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, W10, every Wednesday from 6 – 11pm.
For more info visit their website at:
http://www.portobellofilmfestival.com/pff2003preview.html
Contact Jonathan Barnett on 020 8960 0996
Friday, June 13, 2003
London Respect Festival
This year's Mayor's respect free anti-racist festival takes place at the Greenwich Dome on Saturday 19 July and will be dedicated to Stephen Lawrence. respect will be London’s biggest music event this summer and will round off respect week which runs from July 12-19.
The Mayor’s respect week profiles events celebrating London’s rich diversity that are taking place in locations across London in boroughs, arts and cultural centres, museums and galleries. There is a wide-range of indoor and out door activities for all ages and interests. Many events are free and are open to all. Check with individual venues and centres for full details:
Film
respectfilm
A week long season of films celebrating diversity from around the globe will be shown at the Curzon Mayfair, The Other Cinema, Ritzy, Brixton, Genesis, Mile End, and ICA. Highlights include UK premieres of Latino love story Raising Victor Vargas, Jamaican Romeo and Juliet One Love (both at Curzon, Mayfair) and Motown documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown (Ritzy, Brixton). Plus the premieres of three films Scarred, Tavih and A Long Way from Piccadilly, made by and for refugees living in London and funded by the Princess Diana Memorial Fund and The Prince’s Trust (The Other Cinema) .
respectfilm includes special educational events where directors and writers of major films will discuss their work after screenings. For ages 15 and above.
For more details see the http://www.respectfestival.org.uk website or call the cinemas direct.
Curzon Mayfair 020 7495 0500
The Other Cinema 020 7734 1506
Ritzy Brixton 020 7733 2229
Genesis, Mile End 020 7780 2000
ICA 020 7930 3647
This year's Mayor's respect free anti-racist festival takes place at the Greenwich Dome on Saturday 19 July and will be dedicated to Stephen Lawrence. respect will be London’s biggest music event this summer and will round off respect week which runs from July 12-19.
The Mayor’s respect week profiles events celebrating London’s rich diversity that are taking place in locations across London in boroughs, arts and cultural centres, museums and galleries. There is a wide-range of indoor and out door activities for all ages and interests. Many events are free and are open to all. Check with individual venues and centres for full details:
Film
respectfilm
A week long season of films celebrating diversity from around the globe will be shown at the Curzon Mayfair, The Other Cinema, Ritzy, Brixton, Genesis, Mile End, and ICA. Highlights include UK premieres of Latino love story Raising Victor Vargas, Jamaican Romeo and Juliet One Love (both at Curzon, Mayfair) and Motown documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown (Ritzy, Brixton). Plus the premieres of three films Scarred, Tavih and A Long Way from Piccadilly, made by and for refugees living in London and funded by the Princess Diana Memorial Fund and The Prince’s Trust (The Other Cinema) .
respectfilm includes special educational events where directors and writers of major films will discuss their work after screenings. For ages 15 and above.
For more details see the http://www.respectfestival.org.uk website or call the cinemas direct.
Curzon Mayfair 020 7495 0500
The Other Cinema 020 7734 1506
Ritzy Brixton 020 7733 2229
Genesis, Mile End 020 7780 2000
ICA 020 7930 3647
Plagiarism or coincidence?
I've just posted this article where it is alleged that Hollywood stole a screen writer's idea. Let me know what your views are on this subject. Email me at: valis23a@aol.com.
I've just posted this article where it is alleged that Hollywood stole a screen writer's idea. Let me know what your views are on this subject. Email me at: valis23a@aol.com.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Bite the Mango Film Festival 2003
20 To 26 June 2003
Experience The Difference
The Bite the Mango Film Festival is back for its ninth year celebrating the very best of world cinema. Presented by the award-winning National Museum of Photography, Film & Television in Bradford, this year the festival promises to serve a real treat for all movie lovers. With premieres, previews, retrospectives, master-classes and seminars by renowned guests, Bite the Mango will this year focus on 'music in film'.
There's a mini retrospective of Indian cinema's favourite, Anil Kapoor and he's sure to end the festival in style by talking about his career on stage at the closing night gala.
As well as the best new talent, Bite the Mango is proud to take an exclusive look at the work of legendary Hindi film maker V. Shantaram. This is a rare opportunity to see Shantaram's work and appreciate a genius at his best. At the time of his death, Shantaram was almost 90 years old and had devoted 73 of those years to Indian cinema.
A season of contemporary Nigerian cinema gets a rare UK outing, the Oscar-nominated but much under-rated Hollywood actor Laurence Fishburne gets a long-overdue retrospective, as does the aforementioned A R Rahman, whose collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Don Black brought Bollywood Dreams to London's theatre land.
With a eclectic mix of the latest previews and premieres from Hong Kong, USA, India, UK, South Korea, Belgium, Palestine, France and Japan, Bite the Mango this year lives up to its billing as the leading festival of its kind celebrating the best of cinema from around the globe.
Besides the festival itself the museum itself is well worth a look if you've got a day to spare in Bradford.
For more details of the festival go to:
Bite the Mango Film Festival 2003
20 To 26 June 2003
Experience The Difference
The Bite the Mango Film Festival is back for its ninth year celebrating the very best of world cinema. Presented by the award-winning National Museum of Photography, Film & Television in Bradford, this year the festival promises to serve a real treat for all movie lovers. With premieres, previews, retrospectives, master-classes and seminars by renowned guests, Bite the Mango will this year focus on 'music in film'.
There's a mini retrospective of Indian cinema's favourite, Anil Kapoor and he's sure to end the festival in style by talking about his career on stage at the closing night gala.
As well as the best new talent, Bite the Mango is proud to take an exclusive look at the work of legendary Hindi film maker V. Shantaram. This is a rare opportunity to see Shantaram's work and appreciate a genius at his best. At the time of his death, Shantaram was almost 90 years old and had devoted 73 of those years to Indian cinema.
A season of contemporary Nigerian cinema gets a rare UK outing, the Oscar-nominated but much under-rated Hollywood actor Laurence Fishburne gets a long-overdue retrospective, as does the aforementioned A R Rahman, whose collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Don Black brought Bollywood Dreams to London's theatre land.
With a eclectic mix of the latest previews and premieres from Hong Kong, USA, India, UK, South Korea, Belgium, Palestine, France and Japan, Bite the Mango this year lives up to its billing as the leading festival of its kind celebrating the best of cinema from around the globe.
Besides the festival itself the museum itself is well worth a look if you've got a day to spare in Bradford.
For more details of the festival go to:
Bite the Mango Film Festival 2003
Talking Pictures
The Wrong Turn
A new feature of WRONG TURN is now viewable at:
Wrong Turn
There are regional screenings of the Wrong Turn planned for Blackpool, Coventry, Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and Stoke on Trent.
The Wrong Turn
A new feature of WRONG TURN is now viewable at:
Wrong Turn
There are regional screenings of the Wrong Turn planned for Blackpool, Coventry, Liverpool, Newcastle, Southampton and Stoke on Trent.
Talking Pictures
Debates and talks at the Reel Madness Film Festival
19th – 22nd June 2003, ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art), London
www.reelmadness.co.uk
The Politics of Madness
Saturday 21st June at 5pm
The history of psychiatry has been a mixture of scientific advances and social control. What constitutes a mental illness often says as much about the state of society as the state of medical knowledge. Peter Campbell, founder of Survivors Speak Out, and Professor Graham Thornicroft, Professor of Community Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, kick off this debate by outlining - with film footage - key developments of the past forty years: new treatments; significant legal and policy changes; the expansion of activism and medical developments.
The panel will then reflect upon the 'Politics of Madness'. Will advances in understanding genetics deliver long-awaited wonder drugs, or just create a genetic underclass? Are there any positive implications of receiving a mental health diagnosis? Is there space for separatist politics within the politics of madness, for example, should survivors follow the lead of other rights movements and create a 'mad only' culture in regards to identity, rights and arts? Is discrimination best tackled by promoting greater understanding of mental distress or by challenging stereotypes?
Panelists represent viewpoints from both individuals with direct experience of mental distress, and those with background in a mental health profession, bringing an vital diversity of opinion and experience to the debate. Panelists include Paul Gray (Mental Health Consultant & Project Co-ordinator of Unlocking Potential), Shushrut Jadhav (Senior Lecturer in Cross-Cultural Psychiatry at University College London & Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at St Pancras Hospital, London), John Bowis (former Minister with responsibility for Mental Health and MEP), and Andrew McCulloch (Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation).
Madness on Film
Thursday 19th June at 7.30pm
Filmmakers from different cinematic traditions have portrayed and interpreted madness in many different ways, sometimes helping to further our understanding and at other times reinforcing our prejudices and sacrificing integrity for the sake of offering entertainment. This talk focuses on the ways in which the representation of madness in both drama and non-fiction has been constantly changing, and questions the relationship such portrayals have with both our scientific and social understanding of mental illness. There is an important focus on discussing the ethical decisions that must often face a filmmaker working with this subject matter.
Against the backdrop of numerous film clips, a panel will explore one of the central themes of this year's festival. Guests include filmmaker Andy Lee, whose recent documentary “Being Bonkers” for Channel 4 told his personal story of being misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia and being sectioned in a Psychiatric Hospital. Alison Cowen will also talk about her experience of being filmed by the BBC for a film documenting her experiences of clinical depression. Dinesh Bhugra is Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity at the Institute of Psychiatry and has written and talked extensively about the portrayal of mental illness in cinema. Dr Cleo Van Velson has written on violence and the therapist-patient relationship as portrayed in feature films.
Psychosurgery
Friday 20th June at 5.30pm
This talk includes a screening of It’s a Bit Frightening, a documentary made in 1976 and screened on Yorkshire Television. The film takes a close look at a very personal subject: we literally look inside Margaret’s head as she undergoes psychosurgery, a procedure intended to calm her fits of violent rage. The filmmakers also probe – although more gently - asking Margaret, her children and friends about her life, her community, and her “condition”. They also press the surgeon about how much anyone fully understands, at this stage, the operation he is about to perform. The surgeon’s have-a-go approach is perhaps as frightening as the Clockwork Orange-style surgery shots that follow.
The film is dated in filmic style, but it still packs a punch. We’ve invited the film’s executive producer Duncan Dallas to take part in a Q&A with the audience after the screening, offering his account of making the film and of being a part of that particular period in Margaret’s life. With him will be Dr Trevor Turner, a consultant psychiatrist from Homerton Hospital, discussing the context of psychosurgery. Why was it an accepted procedure during that era? How is psychosurgery practiced now? What’s the relationship between this most medical of procedures and the deeply personal aspects of who we are and how we relate to others?
Reel Madness is the first national festival dedicated to exploring portrayals of mind and madness on film and will be taking place at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), The Mall, London from June 19-22nd 2003.
All details of the films can be found at:
www.reelmadness.co.uk
The ICA Box Office is now accepting bookings.
Ring 020 7930 3647 to book your tickets (UKP6.50/5.00/4.50).
Reel Madness festival office: Tel 020 7267 7722 / email: info@reelmadness.co.uk
Debates and talks at the Reel Madness Film Festival
19th – 22nd June 2003, ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art), London
www.reelmadness.co.uk
The Politics of Madness
Saturday 21st June at 5pm
The history of psychiatry has been a mixture of scientific advances and social control. What constitutes a mental illness often says as much about the state of society as the state of medical knowledge. Peter Campbell, founder of Survivors Speak Out, and Professor Graham Thornicroft, Professor of Community Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, kick off this debate by outlining - with film footage - key developments of the past forty years: new treatments; significant legal and policy changes; the expansion of activism and medical developments.
The panel will then reflect upon the 'Politics of Madness'. Will advances in understanding genetics deliver long-awaited wonder drugs, or just create a genetic underclass? Are there any positive implications of receiving a mental health diagnosis? Is there space for separatist politics within the politics of madness, for example, should survivors follow the lead of other rights movements and create a 'mad only' culture in regards to identity, rights and arts? Is discrimination best tackled by promoting greater understanding of mental distress or by challenging stereotypes?
Panelists represent viewpoints from both individuals with direct experience of mental distress, and those with background in a mental health profession, bringing an vital diversity of opinion and experience to the debate. Panelists include Paul Gray (Mental Health Consultant & Project Co-ordinator of Unlocking Potential), Shushrut Jadhav (Senior Lecturer in Cross-Cultural Psychiatry at University College London & Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at St Pancras Hospital, London), John Bowis (former Minister with responsibility for Mental Health and MEP), and Andrew McCulloch (Chief Executive, Mental Health Foundation).
Madness on Film
Thursday 19th June at 7.30pm
Filmmakers from different cinematic traditions have portrayed and interpreted madness in many different ways, sometimes helping to further our understanding and at other times reinforcing our prejudices and sacrificing integrity for the sake of offering entertainment. This talk focuses on the ways in which the representation of madness in both drama and non-fiction has been constantly changing, and questions the relationship such portrayals have with both our scientific and social understanding of mental illness. There is an important focus on discussing the ethical decisions that must often face a filmmaker working with this subject matter.
Against the backdrop of numerous film clips, a panel will explore one of the central themes of this year's festival. Guests include filmmaker Andy Lee, whose recent documentary “Being Bonkers” for Channel 4 told his personal story of being misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia and being sectioned in a Psychiatric Hospital. Alison Cowen will also talk about her experience of being filmed by the BBC for a film documenting her experiences of clinical depression. Dinesh Bhugra is Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity at the Institute of Psychiatry and has written and talked extensively about the portrayal of mental illness in cinema. Dr Cleo Van Velson has written on violence and the therapist-patient relationship as portrayed in feature films.
Psychosurgery
Friday 20th June at 5.30pm
This talk includes a screening of It’s a Bit Frightening, a documentary made in 1976 and screened on Yorkshire Television. The film takes a close look at a very personal subject: we literally look inside Margaret’s head as she undergoes psychosurgery, a procedure intended to calm her fits of violent rage. The filmmakers also probe – although more gently - asking Margaret, her children and friends about her life, her community, and her “condition”. They also press the surgeon about how much anyone fully understands, at this stage, the operation he is about to perform. The surgeon’s have-a-go approach is perhaps as frightening as the Clockwork Orange-style surgery shots that follow.
The film is dated in filmic style, but it still packs a punch. We’ve invited the film’s executive producer Duncan Dallas to take part in a Q&A with the audience after the screening, offering his account of making the film and of being a part of that particular period in Margaret’s life. With him will be Dr Trevor Turner, a consultant psychiatrist from Homerton Hospital, discussing the context of psychosurgery. Why was it an accepted procedure during that era? How is psychosurgery practiced now? What’s the relationship between this most medical of procedures and the deeply personal aspects of who we are and how we relate to others?
Reel Madness is the first national festival dedicated to exploring portrayals of mind and madness on film and will be taking place at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts), The Mall, London from June 19-22nd 2003.
All details of the films can be found at:
www.reelmadness.co.uk
The ICA Box Office is now accepting bookings.
Ring 020 7930 3647 to book your tickets (UKP6.50/5.00/4.50).
Reel Madness festival office: Tel 020 7267 7722 / email: info@reelmadness.co.uk
Monday, June 09, 2003
Talking Pictures
Middle-earth to land at the Science Museum
The Science Museum today announced its next blockbuster exhibition - The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition.
The family exhibition, which will open before the eagerly awaited final
instalment of the film trilogy this Autumn, will allow visitors to explore
for themselves the fantastic world created for the Lord of the Rings films.
Props, costumes and artefacts from the films - including samples of the
models, armoury, animatronics and miniatures - will feature alongside
interactive computer and mechanical demonstrations of the cutting-edge technology used to bring the story to life.
The exhibition, which will run from 16 September 2003 to 11 January 2004, is expected to be a huge success.
Tickets for the Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition
will go on sale later in the summer.
The exhibition is developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in partnership with New Line Cinema.
The Science Museum is currently both London Tourist Board Visitor Attraction of the Year and English Tourism Council Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Middle-earth to land at the Science Museum
The Science Museum today announced its next blockbuster exhibition - The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition.
The family exhibition, which will open before the eagerly awaited final
instalment of the film trilogy this Autumn, will allow visitors to explore
for themselves the fantastic world created for the Lord of the Rings films.
Props, costumes and artefacts from the films - including samples of the
models, armoury, animatronics and miniatures - will feature alongside
interactive computer and mechanical demonstrations of the cutting-edge technology used to bring the story to life.
The exhibition, which will run from 16 September 2003 to 11 January 2004, is expected to be a huge success.
Tickets for the Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition
will go on sale later in the summer.
The exhibition is developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in partnership with New Line Cinema.
The Science Museum is currently both London Tourist Board Visitor Attraction of the Year and English Tourism Council Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Talking Pictures
Dustbingate Movie Project
Optioned by Norfilms ahead of Hollywood studio.
British movie project "Dustbingate", based on the true story of the political scandal that almost brought the British government down in 1998, has been optioned by indie production co. Northern Filmmakers (Norfilms.com) in an agreement that's going to make its original participants even richer then before. Although one Hollywood studio has been reaching out to the writers for the option Norfilms beat them to the deal in a flurry of activity in just seven days of discussion and meetings.
This true tale tells of how a handful of night shift factory workers beat professional investigative journalists to the story of local sleaze surrounding property dealings involving British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and his son. The resulting scandal made the world's headlines for ten days in 1998 and eventually reached the House of Commons.
Although everyone thought at the time that the men involved were intent of some vendetta to destroy John Prescott's reputation or some socialist attempt to overthrow the New Labour government of Tony Blair the truth was far simpler - the lads just wanted a way to break out of their dead-end jobs and lives. As a result of breaking the story themselves the lads went on to earn enough money from the book of their story to change their lives forever.
Norfilms expect that the film will have a comparable return on investment to other British comedy movies of recent years. A consortium of private investors have already expressed interest in backing the project.. The producer's next step is to find a director suitable for the story and its commercial potential at the world box offices.
Not surprisingly, the government haven't commented. I'm sure Prescott is likely to give it two fingers.
Further details are available at the company's web site: www.norfilms.com/
Dustbingate Movie Project
Optioned by Norfilms ahead of Hollywood studio.
British movie project "Dustbingate", based on the true story of the political scandal that almost brought the British government down in 1998, has been optioned by indie production co. Northern Filmmakers (Norfilms.com) in an agreement that's going to make its original participants even richer then before. Although one Hollywood studio has been reaching out to the writers for the option Norfilms beat them to the deal in a flurry of activity in just seven days of discussion and meetings.
This true tale tells of how a handful of night shift factory workers beat professional investigative journalists to the story of local sleaze surrounding property dealings involving British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and his son. The resulting scandal made the world's headlines for ten days in 1998 and eventually reached the House of Commons.
Although everyone thought at the time that the men involved were intent of some vendetta to destroy John Prescott's reputation or some socialist attempt to overthrow the New Labour government of Tony Blair the truth was far simpler - the lads just wanted a way to break out of their dead-end jobs and lives. As a result of breaking the story themselves the lads went on to earn enough money from the book of their story to change their lives forever.
Norfilms expect that the film will have a comparable return on investment to other British comedy movies of recent years. A consortium of private investors have already expressed interest in backing the project.. The producer's next step is to find a director suitable for the story and its commercial potential at the world box offices.
Not surprisingly, the government haven't commented. I'm sure Prescott is likely to give it two fingers.
Further details are available at the company's web site: www.norfilms.com/
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