Breaking Bad: Marathon - The Pilot and the Epic Conclusion

What? A one off exclusive event showcasing the pilot and the last sixteen episodes of the show in a back to back marathon for the first time ever in stunning theatrical format. Relive every heart-stopping moment in the comfort of a cinema seat rather than your sofa.

Where? Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BY

When? 8pm for 8.30pm Saturday 30^th November then all night
 
If the end of Breaking Bad has left you feeling (Heisenberg) blue then this is definitely the event for you so if you would like to come along please get in touch asap as places are limited!
 
Breaking Bad fans will be able to get tickets from the Prince Charles Cinema free on Friday 15th November at 13:00, available via www.princecharlescinema.com or you can turn up at their box-office on the day, limited to 2 tickets per person.
 

Breaking Bad: The Final Season and the Complete Series Boxset will be available November 25 on Blu-ray and DVD

Quentin Tarantino is the most studied director at UK universities

New film website puremovies.co.uk reveals results of country-wide survey of academics
Quentin Tarantino is the most studied director at UK universities in the last five years, a survey of academics by the film website PureMovies.co.uk has found. Tarantino, director of Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and Django Unchained, has been referenced more than any other film director according to the leaders of film studies courses in the UK.

The survey undertaken by PureMovies.co.uk, a film website that launches today with a focus on academic discussion, industry commentary and qualified debate, also found that Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises) were the most cited films.

Dr. Garth Twa, Head of Film Studies at Uxbridge College, said: "It's no surprise. Tarantino is visceral, accessible, and students new to film studies have an immediate handle on visual pleasure. What is great about Tarantino is that he can serve as a gateway to appreciate everything from the French New Wave to genre studies to gender representation in film.'

PureMovies.co.uk launches today with columnists that include Peter Bradshaw, Danny Rubin (Screenwriter – Groundhog Day), Prof. Andrew Horton, and Dr. Cynthia Ann Baron amongst many more journalists, screenwriters, producers, academics, poster experts such as Akiko Stehrenberger and well known columnists like Owen Jones.

Talking about the launch Dan Higgins, Editor in Chief of PureMovies.co.uk said: "Puremovies.co.uk is all about providing informed discussion and debate about the latest mainstream and independent releases from leading commentators, academics and industry experts. Film fans want the kind of clued-up critique, knowledgeable debate and revealing interviews we are offering."


Pure Movies is a UK film website focusing on academic discussion, industry commentary and qualified debate that launches today featuring columns from various academics, industry insiders, journalists and screenwriters.

Quentin Tarantino was listed as the most cited director in essays or dissertations submitted over the last five years. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises films by Christopher Nolan were the most cited films.

- The top five directors were as follows:

1. Quentin Tarantino 
2. Christopher Nolan 
3. Alfred Hitchcock 
4. Martin Scorsese
5. Steven Spielberg

-  The top ten films were:

1. The Dark Knight
2. Batman Begins
3. Vertigo
4. Pulp Fiction
5. The Dark Knight Rises 
6. Fight Club
7. Inception
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 
9. The Social Network
10. No Country for Old Men

Dr. Garth Twa also said: "Batman is a perennial franchise that will always find a market. He's a hero who's relatable, but also flawed like we are, and troubled, but still, always a hero. Like most of us wish we could be, the most noble of intentions but the most human of frailties.”

- The survey results are based on 17 academics from key institutions across the UK, listing the most cited directors and films in essays and dissertations they have marked in the last five years. 

F1 Party

The Podium Lounge hosts the biggest Formula 1™ party of the season for the Red Bull Racing team 

In association with Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi and boujis, The Podium Lounge put on the biggest Formula 1 party of the season to celebrate Sebastian Vettel’s fourth consecutive Formula 1™ World Driver’s Championship and victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Infiniti Red Bull Racing. 

F1’s record-breaking four-time World Champion chose the star-studded party, held on the Marina Rooftop Pool of the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, to continue celebrations after winning the title in New Delhi the previous week. 

The post-race party at The Podium Lounge hosted the racing community’s ultimate A-list celebrities with Vettel’s team of mechanics, engineers, management and friends from The Paddock Club including racing legends Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Rubens Barrichello, Eddie Jordan, Gil de Ferran (IndyCar Indianapolis 500 Champion) and other personalities including Sky Sports F1 presenters Simon Lazenby andNatalie Pinkham, Chairman of Sky Nicholas Ferguson (CBE), Princess Deborah Murrat, HI&RH Archduchess Eleonore of The House of Habsburg, English television presenter Vanessa Feltz, and soccer legend Diego Maradona reveling in the post-race celebrations of the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

Arriving in the UAE for the first time after five years of consecutive sell-out events at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia in Singapore, The Podium Lounge brought together celebrities, musicians, high-profile models, international royalty and the ultra-hip crowd to a high-octane party over three nights for the Abu Dhabi race weekend, headlined by international DJ’s Sander Kleinenberg, Seb Fontaine, Hugo Heathcote, Hollaphonic, Miles Slater and the official Red Bull Racing DJ EROK on Sunday night. There was also a surprise guest performance by UK’s Victoria Aitken of her new hit single ‘24 Hour Dancefloor’ which she recently launched at boujis in London. 

The most sought-after and glamorous nightlife experience of the year hosted a sell-out event for 800 party-goers and the Who’s Who of the internationally celebrated party circuit. Guests were also treated to a stunning fashion showcase by the highly talented bespoke fashion designer, Zaeem Jamal who has boutiques on the Kings Road in London and Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. 

Podium Lounge founder Robbie Hoyes-Cock said the expansion to Abu Dhabi this year was the result of five incredible years of The Podium Lounge in Singapore. “Since 2009 The Podium Lounge has been the go-to party when F1 rolls in to Singapore,” said Mr. Hoyes-Cock, adding “This weekend we’ve been able to share this amazing experience with an equally-dazzling jewel in the F1 crown in Abu Dhabi, and can’t wait to return next year!” 

The Podium Lounge is now confirmed to take place at the 2014 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Having partnered with ex-Executive Director of Pangaea Singapore, Steve Yallop for international expansion as well as inking a partnership deal with Radar Sport & Entertainment for new and exciting Formula 1 markets including Shanghai, Monaco and Austin next year. 

“Our success with The Podium Lounge International really comes down to having the best possible venue, like-minded partners and luxury sponsors on-board, and we’re lucky enough to have an incredible collection of visionaries who believed in us from the start. Our sincerest thanks must go to McLaren, Jax Coco, Phillip Morris, Grey Goose, Moët & Chandon, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi , boujis, Red Bull and Zaeem Jamal,” adds Mr. Yallop. 

Collins 2014 Guide to the Night Sky and Collins Planisphere

On 7th  November 2013, Collins, in association with the Royal Observatory Greenwich, will publish two new tools for astronomers of all levels for the first time. Collins 2014 Guide to the Night Sky by Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, is a month-by-month guide that explores the stars and constellations visible from Britain and Ireland in 2014. Collins Planisphere is specifically designed as the perfect companion to understanding and exploring the sky above us.

Collins 2014 Guide to the Night Sky is a practical guidebook, an easy introduction to astronomy, and a useful reference for seasoned stargazers.

It includes an introduction that initiates readers to everything the amateur stargazer needs to know, as well as interesting facts about humanity’s relationship with the stars, dating back to the Greeks and Romans. This great book includes easy-to-use star maps and is perfect for use in the field, and at home.

Collins Planisphere, also written by Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, is a star finder that allows visible stars to be easily identified for any particular date and time. This star finder is suitable for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Canada and Northern USA, and is best viewed as near to latitude 50 degrees north as possible.

It is an easy-to-use practical tool to help any budding or experienced astronomer identify the constellations and stars above them. Just dial in the date and time by rotating the inner plastic disk showing the time until it lines up with the relevant day of the year on the outer ring, and then look up. The moveable disk also comes in a plastic wallet which contains detailed instructions for use as well as further information about stargazing.

Storm Dunlop and Wil Tirion, are experienced and respected astronomical experts and authors. Both the Collins 2014 Guide to the Night Sky and Collins Planisphere are approved by the astronomers of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the World, making it the official starting point for each new day and year. It is also home to London's only planetarium, the Harrison timekeepers and the UK's largest refracting telescope. It runs the annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition.
 

Collins 2014 Guide to the Night Sky
Published 7th
 November 2013 ¦ UK RRP: £6.99
ISBN: 978-0-00-754074-7¦ Size: 210x148 mm ¦ Paperback
Available to purchase from all good book shops and online

Collins Planisphere
Published 7th
 November 2013 ¦ UK RRP: £9.99
ISBN: 978-0-00-754075-4¦ Size: 300x300 mm
Available to purchase from all good book shops and online
www.harpercollins.co.uk.


Follow us @CollinsAstro on twitter and Search ‘Collins Astronomy’ on Facebook.

ELYSIUM

Sci-Fi, Action-Thriller from the Director of District 9

 

Starring Academy Award® Winner Matt Damon &

Academy Award® Winner Jodie Foster

Coming to Blu-ray™ and DVD with UltraViolet™
on December 26

 

---

London, UK. 30/10/2013 – From Academy Award® nominated writer/director Neill Blomkamp (2010, Best Adapted Screenplay, District 9) comes the visionary sci-fi action thriller ELYSIUM, available on Blu-ray™ and DVD with UltraViolet™ on December 26 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  The Blu-ray comes with hours of bonus materials, including an extended scene, and six behind-the-scenes featurettes that give an in-depth look at the making of the film, including the performances, production design, visual effects and the technology of ELYSIUM.
 

Fans get an inside look at the process of shooting the film’s visual effects scenes, and incorporating CGI environments and vehicles in post-production with the featurette “In Support of Story: The Visual Effects of Elysium.”  “The Technology of 2154” featurette shows filmmakers discussing the technology of Elysium, from independently functioning Droids to next-generation military technology that gives humans machine-enhanced power. “The Journey to Elysium” explores the pre-production of the film, including the first steps taken to build the “future world” and casting the right actors. This is followed by a discussion with filmmakers and cast on the journey through production, as well as a post-production diary that looks at the editing process, including the challenges of marrying the practical shots with their CGI counterparts. The “Visions of 2154” featurette is an interactive exploration of the art and design of Elysium.

Also starring in the film is two-time Academy Award® winner Jodie Foster (1992, Best Actress, The Silence of the Lambs, 1989, Best Actress, The Accused), alongside a strong international supporting cast, including Sharlto Copley (District 9), Alice Braga (I Am Legend), Diego Luna (Y Tu Mama Tambien), Wagner Moura (Elite Squad) and William Fichtner (The Lone Ranger).
 

Synopsis:
In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest who live in an overpopulated, ruined Earth.  Secretary Delacourt (Foster) will stop at nothing to preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium – but that doesn’t stop the people of Earth from trying to get in by any means they can.  Max (Damon) agrees to take on a life threatening mission, one that could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

 
ELYSIUM was produced by Bill Block (District 9, Vanilla Sky), Neill Blomkamp, and Simon Kinberg (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, X-Men: First Class), and executive produced by Sue Baden-Powell (The Box, The Invention of Lying).
 
The film’s run time is approx. 1 hour and 49 minutes and is rated 15 for strong, bloody violence and language throughout.
 
Bonus Materials Exclusive to the Blu-ray Include:

- Extended Scene – “Kruger Wakes Up.”
- Visions of 2154 – An interactive exploration of the art and design of Elysium.
- The Journey to Elysium:

• Envisioning Elysium - This diary explores all facets of pre-production
• Capturing Elysium - With production in Vancouver, Mexico, and on huge green screen stages, the challenge of filming was nothing short of massive.  The filmmakers and cast discuss the journey through the film’s production.
• Enhancing Elysium - This post-production diary explores the editing process

- In Support of Story: The Visual Effects of Elysium - An in-depth look at the process of shooting visual effects scenes and incorporating CGI environments and vehicles in post-production. 
- The Technology of 2154 - From independently functioning Droids to next-generation military tech that gives humans machine-enhanced power, get insight from the filmmakers on the technology of Elysium.
 
Bonus Materials Included on Both the Blu-ray and DVD:

- Collaboration: Crafting the Performances in Elysium - Meet the dynamic cast and get insight into how they prepared for their roles.
- Engineering Utopia: Creating a Society in the Sky - A look at designing and creating the utopian space station.

https://www.facebook.com/EscapetoElysium
#Elysium

Winne

INSPIRATION IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER FOR UK PARENTS

JAMIE THEAKSTON LAUNCHES NATIONAL COMPETITON TO FIND 5 DISNEY WINNIE THE POOH LAUREATES

Top UK national landmarks for inspiring storytellers unveiled and to be awarded a Winnie the Pooh Storytelling Corner Plaque

Loch Ness, Edinburgh Castle, Sherwood Forest, Angel of the North and Blackpool Tower

30^th October 2013: A new study by Disney UK today revealed that 76% of mums and dads tell their children stories inspired by their local area and more than half (52%) feel that their local community is important to family life. Community-minded parents believe telling local stories not only encourages their children to appreciate where they live (35%) but enables a better understanding of the local community (31%), and is a way of passing local history down to the next generation (28%).

The research marks the launch of Disney’s new storytelling contest to find five regional Winnie the Pooh Laureates, whose stories celebrate their area’s local history and landmarks in a unique way. Aspiring Laureates are being asked to share with Disney original stories inspired by their local area, featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends taking an adventure outside of 100 Acre Wood or introducing their own new cast of characters.  Entrants will need to submit their own story of 500 words or less and five lucky winners will be crowned “Winnie the Pooh Laureate” and have the chance to read their story to a gathering crowd at their local Disney Store.

The competition will be fronted by radio presenter and father of two, Jamie Theakston.  He says: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Winnie the Pooh Laureate campaign as storytelling is, and always has been, a huge passion of mine. Whether it’s a bed time story to my children or me telling tales to my listeners on the morning radio, storytelling is a very important aspect of my life – just like it is for many other parents out there. With so many wonderful cultures, landmarks and dialects on our doorstep, it’s only right that Winnie the Pooh and Friends want to be taken on a mini adventure around your local area.”

The study of 2,000 parents also revealed that an overwhelming seven in 10 mums and dads are encouraging their children to use where they live as inspiration when making up stories, just as A.A. Milne used Five Hundred Acre Wood in Ashdown Forest to create the fictional Hundred Acre Wood for the setting of the Winnie the Pooh books.  For years, the cuddly bear has been enchanting families worldwide, and with two thirds of parents having enjoyed the adventures as children, three out of five mums and dads are now sharing the much-loved tales with their own kids.

“The research reveals that local surroundings and major landmarks are a great source of ideas when telling stories to children.  We have launched the Winnie the Pooh Laureate competition as a testament of our commitment to storytelling and to reinvigorate the nation’s enthusiasm for sharing original stories.  Whether it’s a family day out or some bonding time with your child in a local park or at the seaside, these moments are all key in providing a bank of memories to draw upon when storytelling,” says Justine Finch, Winnie the Pooh Marketing Director for The Walt Disney Company, UK & Ireland.

To encourage parents up and down the country to get creative and share their tales, the research identified the top five UK national landmarks for inspiring storytellers and Disney is rewarding each with a Winnie the Pooh Storytelling Corner plaque.

1.       Loch Ness (45%)

2.       Edinburgh Castle (33%)

3.       Sherwood Forest (32%)

4.       Angel of the North (31%)

5.       Blackpool Tower (31%)

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh study also revealed that:

·         Storytellers are also drawing creativity from their children’s favourite character (37%), local parks (35%), famous folk tales and iconic landmarks (23%)

·         Often children the star of the show, with 52% of parents including them in tales

·         Nearly half (41%) of mums and dads are taking inspiration from their day’s adventures when it comes to telling stories

·         Around half of mums and dads agree that the use of accents in storytelling have a role in helping to keep local dialect alive (43%)

To enter the Winnie the Pooh Laureate competition, visit the Winnie the Pooh UK & Ireland Facebook page - www.facebook.com/WinniethePoohUKandIreland - for full terms & conditions.  The contest will close on 17^th December 2013.

Auction

Vintage Bollywood Memorabilia auction celebrating 100 years of Bollywood

                                                                   

Sholay. LP. 1975

·         14 – 15 November, Westbury Gallery, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair, W1

·         Preview of upcoming Vintage Bollywood Memorabilia auction

·         2013 marks 100 years of Bollywood

·         Vintage memorabilia from the greatest Bollywood films of all time

·         150 lots including vintage LPs, film banners, Bollywood posters and gramophones

Celebrating 100 years of Bollywood, Conferro Auctions is hosting a special preview of its upcoming inaugural auction of Vintage Bollywood Memorabilia on 14 – 15 November at the Westbury Gallery, Westbury Hotel, Mayfair, W1.

The auction features collectables such as LPs, film banners and Bollywood posters from some of the milestones of Indian film history, including Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and Sholay (1975), which were recently voted the top twogreatest Bollywood films of all time.

The 150 lots include vintage LPs, banners, synopses, posters, lobby cards and gramophones from the last 100 years of Bollywood history, which will be auctioned on 29 November.

Bollywood has become one of the world’s largest film industries since the debut of its first official film on 3 May 1913, Raja Harishchandra by Dadasaheb Phalke. Producing some 1,000 films a year (twice the annual output of Hollywood), the stars of its silver screen are known the world over.

As reported by The Telegraph, the UK is home to the largest audience for Bollywood films outside of India, contributing 15-20 per cent of the industry’s profits.

Says Conferro’s Director Sharan Seth, “With Bollywood such an ingrained part of our cultural identity and the timely centenary of Bollywood film, our first auction reflects India’s rich and vibrant history and artistic practices”.

Dr Anna Morcom, Senior Lecturer at Royal Holloway University adds, “Since the 1990s, Bollywood has gone global on a new level, embraced enthusiastically by the Indian diaspora and through them, has gained a presence in the mainstream of US and UK culture”.

For a full programme of activities, please see below

Listings information

Conferro Auctions | Vintage Bollywood Memorabilia auction

Public viewing

Thursday 14 November (11:00 – 18:00)

Friday 15 November (11:00 – 18:00)

Thursday 28 November (11:00 – 18:00)

Friday 29 November (11:00 – 14:00)

Bollywood retrospective | A journey through 100 years of Indian cinema | Talk & Tour (30 mins)

Friday 15 November (12:00 – 12:30, 15:00 – 15:30, 16:00 – 16:30, 17:00 – 17:30)

Thursday 28 November (12:00 – 12:30, 15:00 – 15:30)

Free admission. Limited availability. Book with: Ashta Doyle: ashta@curzonpr.com | +44 (0)20 7399 2435

Location

Westbury Gallery, Westbury Hotel, Conduit Street, London, W1S 2YF

Nearest tube stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

For general enquires contact Shivani Mehra: shivani@conferroauctions.com

HOW VIDEO GAMES CHANGED THE WORLD

CHARLIE BROOKER PRESENTS:

A Two Hour Special for Channel 4 

How Video Games Changed the World is a one-off documentary about the history of video games, the most significant titles that have made an impact on society and – dare we say it – how games have even changed our lives. Yes, we said it. 

Presented and written by Charlie Brooker, How Video Games Changed the World provides an intelligent, funny and entertaining look at some of the most influential and iconic video games in history (even the absolutely dreadful ones). We will be reminiscing back to the launch of Pac-Man and the birth of the first electronic icon for 80’s popular culture. Moving through to the booming nineties we will be looking at video games’ first credible female character, digital cover girl and tawdry teenage boy fantasy - Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft. Now in the 21^stcentury we take a critical look at how Minecraft and its fan base of armchair architects are reshaping the world one brick at a time, whilst shoot-fest franchises like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto are easily outselling other forms of entertainment on a day to day basis.

The documentary will feature seminal figures from the games industry like Nolan Bushnell and Allan Alcorn – the creators of Pong and Will Wright – the genius behind The Sims. Celebrities like Jonathan Ross, Dara O’Briain and Labrinth will talk about their gaming memories and we’ll hear from female gamers like Malorie Blackman, Rhianna Pratchett and Felicia Day to get a perspective on why we play games and how they have affected the modern world we live in. 

Charlie will also look at and offer opinion on other games that have helped to define the industry, reviewing their cultural and social impact – which basically means he gets to play loads of games. 

How Video Games Changed the World is part of Channel 4’s gaming night. 

‘How Video Games Changed the World’ was ordered by Tabitha Jackson, Commissioning Editor, Arts at Channel 4. The documentary will be Executive Produced by Annabel Jones and Charlie Brooker for Endemol. The Series Producer is Dan Tucker. 

The 2-hour documentary will broadcast on C4 at the end of November.

Book Launch:

The Incomplete Manuscript by Kamal Abdulla

26 November 2013

Fifth View, Fifth Floor, Waterstone’s Piccadilly,
203–206 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE

Doors open: 18.30hrs; Presentation: 19.15hrs. Free entry.

Drinks and canapés served.

TEAS is proud to host the official launch of the fascinating work The Incomplete Manuscript by Professor Kamal Abdulla of Baku Slavic University, in its English translation.

The novel raises questions of appearance and reality, truth, myth and story-telling. A modern-day narrator tells how he found an old manuscript in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, which turns out to contain two interwoven, disparate tales. For the longer of the two stories in the manuscript, Kamal Abdulla has taken the Book of Dada Gorgud, a medieval Turkic epic chronicling the exploits of the Oghuz tribe, and invented a first, incomplete, draft of the tales. His draft is an account by the bard Dada Gorgud of an investigation ostensibly to unmask a traitor amongst the Oghuz. It introduces many of the characters from the epic, including Fatima of the Forty Lovers and the shape-shifting One-Eyed Ogre. Interspersed amongst Dada Gorgud’s account of the investigation is another tale, that of Shah Ismail Khata’i, founder of the Iranian Safavid state and poet-ruler of Iran in the early 16th century.

The launch will include presentations by Professor Kamal Abdulla and translator Anne Thompson, in addition to a dramatisation of certain key scenes by members of ALOFF Theatre, and a question-and-answer session. A limited number of free copies of the book will be available.

All are welcome to attend, but please register at http://bit.ly/incompletemanuscript

Barbican celebrates digital creativity in 2014

The Barbican today announces a stellar programme of events for spring and summer 2014, pushing the boundaries of all major art forms for its diverse audiences. This new programme builds on the most successful year ever for the Barbican, with attendances for events at the Centre exceeding 1 million for the first time, an increase of 36% on 2011/12. In this Olympics year, box office receipts also rose 33%, and the Barbican’s commercial income increased by 35%.

Following this, the Barbican also had a landmark summer in 2013, with the Beyond Barbican offsite programme reaching 116,000 people in east London, including over 50,000 visitors to Dalston House and around 50,000 attending the Open East Festival in the Olympic Park on the first anniversary of the Games. Research showed that 26% of attendees at Beyond Barbican events had previously low arts attendance, demonstrating the Barbican’s ability to attract significant new audiences to the arts.

Also announced today is a major grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to develop an east London and City Culture Partnership. This ambitious new partnership between the Barbican and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and six music education hubs aims to create plans to give every young person in east London the chance to experience the best of musical and cultural education.

Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director, Barbican, said: 
“Where else can audiences encounter artists ranging from will.i.am to Fiona Shaw, Jean-Paul Gaultier to Bernard Haitink or Toni Servillo to Wynton Marsalis? The Barbican’s commitment to offer world-class arts and learning for all is taken to a new level in this season. It reflects the Barbican’s commitment to presenting an outstanding international programme featuring the best artists and performers from across the globe. It also demonstrates the diverse partnerships the Barbican has built, ranging from lasting relationships with leading companies, to supporting the artists of tomorrow. The latest of these partnerships is an ambitious new collaboration that aims to develop plans to give every young person in east London the chance to experience a high quality musical and cultural education. At the Barbican we think this is the right of every child and we’re hugely grateful that the Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation has generously supported us to help develop this ambition. 

“We’re also working with our partners in and around the City of London to transform the area into an exceptional arts and learning destination. The opening of new Barbican cinemas and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s Milton Court are just two of the exciting recent development of this, alongside the welcome announcement from the City last week, that the area surrounding the Barbican will be given special planning status to allow for street improvements that will improve access and enliven the area to create a more welcoming environment for visitors as Crossrail approaches. The future here has huge potential.” 


CELEBRATING DIGITAL ARTS 

Digital Revolution: 

An immersive exhibition of art, design, film, music and videogames
Digital Revolution explores and celebrates the transformation of the arts through digital technology since the 1970s. The exhibition brings together for the first time a range of artists, filmmakers, architects, designers, musicians and game developers pushing the boundaries of their fields using digital media. It also looks to the future considering the impact of creative coding, DIY culture, digital communities and the creative possibilities offered by technologies including augmented reality, artificial intelligence, wearable technologies and 3D printing.

The exhibition includes new commissions from artists Umbrellium (Usman Haque and Nitipak 'Dot' Samsen);Universal Everything; global music artist and entrepreneur will.i.am; and a collaboration with Google in the form of digital art installations called DevArt, pushing the possibilities of coding as a creative art form, featuring four new gallery commissions, an online inspiration hub and a competition for undiscovered creative coders. It also presents work by Oscar-winning VFX Supervisor Paul Franklin and his team at Double Negative forChristopher Nolan’s groundbreaking film Inception; artists and performers including Rafael Lozano-Hemmer,Chris Milk, Aaron Koblin, Fred Deakin & Company, Amon Tobin and Philip Glass and game developers such as Harmonix Music Systems (Dance Central).

Digital Revolution comprises immersive and interactive art works alongside exhibition-based displays. Usman Haque and Nitipak 'Dot' Samsen from Umbrellium, known for their large-scale mass-participatory outdoor events will produce their first work within a theatre setting. This immersive experience takes over The Pit, filling the space with a series of magical interactive laser sculptures, set within an otherworldly sound environment.Universal Everything, one of the UK's leading media art studios, will produce a piece for the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. Taking digital drawing as its theme, visitors will be able to contribute the work both in the venue and online. Film-maker and artist Chris Milk’s major interactive work The Treachery of Sanctuary is presented for the first time in the UK. This three-screen shadow play installation explores life, death and rebirth through a moving onscreen narrative which visitors can interact with. Also a UK premiere, Electricity Comes from Other Planets by Fred & Company (Fred Deakin) invites people to jam with each other in a playful audio-visual piece that creates new musical arrangements through their movements. A new commission by will.i.am explores the interface between analogue and digital music in a live gallery experience.

Digital Revolution is the most comprehensive presentation of digital creativity ever to be staged in the UK. Digital Revolution takes place across the Barbican with ticketed and non-ticketed elements, and will include an offsite commission. It is accompanied by a talks and events programme and a dedicated catalogue.

The exhibition builds on the Barbican’s rich history of championing pioneering artists using technology. It is the focus of a series of events presented by the Barbican throughout the spring and summer of 2014 that focuses on artists using digital media. Projects include:

United Visual Artists (UVA): Momentum 
Multi-disciplinary art and design studio United Visual Artists have been commissioned to create a new work for The Curve. Coinciding with their 10th anniversary, UVA present Momentum, an installation that combines light, sound and movement. Drawing on physics and digital technology, UVA are turning The Curve into a spatial instrument, installing a sequence of pendulum-like elements throughout the 90 metre long gallery to create an evolving composition of light and sound. The pendulums – sometimes moving in unexpected ways – project shadows and planes of light across the six metre-high walls and curved floor of the space. Visitors are invited to explore the room at their own pace, and their movement through the gallery shapes their individual experience. UVA are an art and design practice based in London, creating work that lies at the intersections of sculpture, architecture, live performance and installation.

Tim & Barry: Just Jam 
For the past three years, online music channel Just Jam has been celebrating the current thriving electronic music scene, showcasing cutting edge talents of the UK's underground Bass, House and Grime scenes. Tim & Barry, the photographers and film-makers behind Just Jam, will curate an evening of live performance, video and audience participation with the musicians and performers who have built and solidified Just Jam's reputation, including Loefah, Chunky, Big Narstie, Newham Generals, Kurupt FM, Marawa the Amazing, and more to be announced. Influenced by cult music TV shows like The Word and Dance Energy, Just Jam's joy in the chaotic and improvised will ensure an unpredictable evening.

Barbican Weekender 
We Create: technology for self-expression
In March 2014 the Barbican Weekender returns to explore image and identity through arts and technology. This theme is explored with a host of digital tools and activities including 3D printing with Black County Atelier, mixing tunes with Music Jelly and the physics meets dance installation Dance Spectroscopy. From music and art, to dance and fashion the free, two-day event offers workshops and games for all ages.


Wikimania 
The tenth annual international Wikimania conference, produced in association with the Barbican, brings together the worlds of academia, culture, technology experts and enthusiasts and will include a multi-track programme of lectures, discussions, workshops and hackathons over the course of five days. 

 
INNOVATIVE FILM PROJECTS 

The Film World of Jean Paul Gaultier 

Complementing The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk in the Art Gallery, the Barbican presents a film season curated by the celebrated French couturier. Jean Paul Gaultier's selection includes films in which he worked as costume designer, from early titles such as Peter Greenaway's The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (1989) to his extensive collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar in films such asKika (1993), Bad Education (2004) and The Skin I Live In (2011). The season also includes films which have inspired and influenced Gaultier's life and work, such as Elia Kazan's A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Jacques Becker's Falbalas (1945), Robert Hamer's Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Stephen Frears' My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and Federico Fellini's La Strada (1954) and Satyricon (1969). The programme will be crowned with a ScreenTalk with Jean Paul Gaultier when he will formally open the season.

New film programmes: Who’s Afraid of… and Cinema in Depth  

Starting in April 2014 the Barbican introduces two new strands to the cinema programme. Who's Afraid of... is a provocative bi-monthly series, providing a spotlight for debate and the revisiting of essential film classics and contemporary work. Always fearlessly themed, the first installments will feature controversial German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and the French Situationist theorist whose work became a foundation stone of psychogeography and urban wandering, Guy Debord. Cinema in Depth is a new monthly thematic programming strand looking at film in a deeper context. The subjects covered relate to the world of cinema – and beyond. Upcoming themes include Desperate Housewives, Gumshoe America, The Paris You Don’t Know and Cinema’s Baddest Girl Gangs. The series will feature films from the classic, mainstream and avant-garde of European, American and world cinema, as well as contemporary films not in UK distribution. All screenings will take place on Saturday/Sunday matinees in the Barbican Cinemas on Beech Street. 

Coventry Film Festival

Coventry University’s East Winds Film Festival offers a stunning selection of Asian cinema

Chilling Hong Kong horror flicks, a Vietnamese ‘Eastern Western’ and a romantic comedy from Thailand are amongst the works to be presented at the East Winds Film Festival taking place at Coventry University later this month.

Now in its third year, the Nissan sponsored showcase – the UK’s only major festival of East Asian cinema outside London – screens the work of artists from Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam over four days from Thursday 31 October to Sunday 2 November.

In total 12 films will be receiving either international, European or UK premieres during the festival. Stars, directors and other creative artists associated with the films on show - including one of Hollywood’s leading Asian actors, Dustin Nguyen  - will also be making special guest appearances at the festival, which takes place in Coventry University’s state-of-the-art digital 3D cinema at its student union building, The Hub.

The following films will be screened during the East Winds Film Festival:

THURSDAY 31 OCTOBER

Pawnshop, 7pm (European Premiere)

A depressed and destitute Hong Kong bar owner must raise money in a hurry at any cost. In desperation, he visits a pawnshop that offers a unique and terrifying proposition.

Cult, 8.30pm (UK Premiere)

Three young Japanese actresses reluctantly agree to appear on a paranormal television show in which dark and malevolent forces slowly reveal themselves.

Pawnshop and Cult are presented on Halloween as part of the of the festival’s dedicated horror strand ‘East Winds Chills.’

FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER

Once Upon a Time in Vietnam, 7pm (European Premiere)

One of the most eagerly anticipated Asian action films of 2013, the ‘Eastern Western’ Once Upon a Time in Vietnam is an epic saga which blends swordplay, science fiction and super-powered martial arts.

Writer, star and director Dustin Nguyen – a familiar face to Western audiences thanks to his role in 21 Jump Street alongside Johnny Depp and numerous other parts in US films and TV shows – will be making a special guest appearance at the screening.

Sake-Bomb, 9pm (UK Premiere)

Newly single Sebastian, an acidic, self-deprecating wannabe internet star from Los Angeles and his cousin Naoto, a naive but goodhearted sake maker from Japan, embark on a road trip through California in search of lost love in this bittersweet cross cultural comedy. 

SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER

Triad, 2pm (European Premiere)

A bright young student gets embroiled with the local triad gang. Swiftly rising up the ranks, he soon comes into conflict with the local boss and must decide just how far he is willing to go to succeed in this ruthless, brutal business.

A Secret Between Us, 4pm (International Premiere)

Two teenage sweethearts meet after years apart to rekindle their romance but tragic developments turn their world upside down. The traumatic turns they are forced to take will affect their relationship forever.

The Midas Touch, 7pm (International Premiere)

A feel-good comedy which gently satirises Hong Kong pop culture in all of its disposable glory, The Midas Touch centres on an odd ball couple of showbiz agents who through sheer grit and determination attempt to mould the young and talentless into media superstars.

Director Andrew Fung Chih-chiang will be taking part in a special Q & A after the screening.

Hardcore Comedy, 9.30pm (International Premiere)

Three outlandish stories of prostitution, drug abuse and gambling make up Hardcore Comedy, a shocking and biting satire which explores the seedy underbelly of Hong Kong society.

One of the stars of Hardcore Comedy, Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai, will be making a special guest appearance at the screening to present the European premiere of her new film.

SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER

Girl$, 1pm (UK Premiere)

Four very different young women share their experiences of the shady world of ‘compensated dating’ in Hong Kong, forming a close bond as they struggle in adversity to earn money the only way they feel they can.

Lead actress Michelle Wai will be present at the screening for an exclusive introduction to this challenging exploration of teenage prostitution.

Hello Stranger, 3pm (UK Premiere and Director Q & A)

This romantic comedy follows a young Thai couple who meet by coincidence while on vacation in South Korea. Hitting it off instantly, they decide to tour the country together all the while keeping their names secret from each other.

Director Banjong Pisanthanakun will be taking part in a Q & A after the screening.

The Lady Assassin 3D, 5pm (European Premiere)

A murderous landlady and her kung-fu kicking gang of hot hostesses take a vengeful and beautiful young woman under their wing in this explosive 3-D martial arts spectacular.

Pee Mak, 7.30pm (European Premiere) 

A war veteran’s family reunion is beset by mysterious events and ghostly goings on in this hugely popular Thai comedy horror.

The highest grossing Thai film of 2013 and one of Asia's highest grossing films of all time, Pee Mak will be introduced on the night by director Banjong Pisanthanakun.

The East Winds Film Festival takes place from Thursday 31 October to Sunday 2 November on Coventry University’s campus at The Hub, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5FB. 

Further information about the festival, including trailers of the films on show and booking details, is available on the website www.eastwindsfilmfest.com.