RAINDANCE OPENING WEEKEND

The 11th Raindance Film Festival opened on Friday night with thought-provoking documentary Capturing the Friedmans - and it was clear to see why this cutting-edge film was awarded the Grand Jury prize at Sundance earlier this year. This powerful film intersperses interviews with members of the Friedman family with video-diary footage taken at the time of the controversial case, inviting the audience to question the guilt or innocence of the accused at every turn. Sitting amongst the audience were Ken Russell, this year's Director in Residence, internationally renowned photographer and Raindance juror Rankin and actor Marc Warren, who stars in short film Perfect, screening at the festival. The screening was followed by an exclusive party at Rouge, which saw directors and audiences mingling and possibly swapping filmmaking tips as they danced the night away.

More familiar faces arrived to enjoy the screenings on Saturday, including In the Cut director Jane Campion, and TV impressionist Alistair McGowan. Director in residence Ken Russell spoke to Mark Kermode about his inspirations and influences as a director, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to pick up a camera and shoot - as he now does in his back garden with family and friends. The audience was treated to a rare screening of Savage Messiah, cited by Russell as the film he is most proud of.

Fuse, one of this year's Raindance Official Selection films, played to a sold out screening to much praise - many heralding the film as one of the best independent features to emerge for years.

TODAY AT RAINDANCE

**Film Highlight: Phone

UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.30 pm

In Phone mysterious and threatening phone calls seem to have the power to terrorise, possess, and even kill those who are unfortunate enough to answer. Phone is a terrifying piece of modern technological horror which mirrors the cult Japanese classic The Ring in pace and style, transforming the benign ring of a phone into a frightening sound.



TOMORROW AT RAINDANCE

**Film Highlight: Twilight Samurai

UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 7.10 pm

Twilight Samurai is a tender and compassionate film from acclaimed director Yoji Yamada, which topped this year's box office in Japan and swept the boards at the 2003 Japanese Academy Awards. This is Yamada's 77th film, marking his 41s year as a director.

**Film Highlight: Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy

UGC Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 11 pm

This entertaining and fascinating comedy looks into the life of pornstar Ron Jeremy, who has enjoyed a career in the adult film industry spanning 25 years. He has appeared in over 1600 motion pictures - including the classics Ally McFeel and Natural Born Thrillers - has made millions of dollars and slept with thousands of beautiful women. So, just how did Ron Jeremy, an unassuming schlub from Long Island, become the hardest working man in show business? Prepare yourself for a penetrating look inside the world of America's most unlikely sex star with Porn Star: The Legend of Ron Jeremy.