LFF Review: Eyimofe (This is My Desire)
To even use the term ‘African cinema’ when describing the diversity and richness of myriad national film industries scattered across a huge continent, is to say the least slightly patronising. However, given the relative lack of exposure we have to it in Europe, it’s easy to slip into lazy generalisations. Whilst it’s a struggle for …
Grimmfest Review: Urubú
If there’s one thing that the political turmoil and polarisation of the last few years have demonstrated it’s that we’re increasingly living in socio-economic bubbles. Surrounding ourselves with likeminded people. Living, working and socialising is these rather homogeneous communities. We might hear news stories or tales of how other people live, but rarely engage, empathise …
LFF Review: Wildfire
Whilst ‘the troubles’ in Northern Ireland might be over (although there are worrying signs that this isn’t the case) it doesn’t mean that those who lived through them can just move on. That’s the natural reaction. Ignore the past and look to the future. It’s something many countries have tried, but refusing to confront our …
Grimmfest Review: Triggered
One of the great joys of watching genre cinema is the amount of films where a bunch of suspiciously model-like and relentlessly annoying ‘teenagers’ come to a succession of bloody and brutal ends. There seems to be an almost infinite number of scenarios you can put a group of friends through before gleefully starting to …
LFF Review: Wolfwalkers
Whilst animation has always been popular with cinema audiences, until recently it was only really Disney films which attracted mainstream attention. With the rise in popularity of Pixar, Studio Ghibli and Dreamworks, it’s a genre which has become commonplace on the big screen. However, it’s often the smaller studios which produce the most innovative and …
LFF Review: Mogul Mowgli
Of all the British actors who have made their breakthrough over the past decade, it’s perhaps Riz Ahmed who has made the biggest impression. Since coming to prominence in Four Lions back in 2010, he has starred in a number of films and TV series, including Nightcrawler, The Night Of, City of Tiny Lights and …
LFF Review: Never Gonna Snow Again
Whilst Polish cinema has always been surprisingly fertile, it’s witnessing somewhat of a renaissance at the moment. Historically, the likes of Kieślowski, Wajda, Munk and Żuławski have created some of Eastern Europe’s greatest films. Whilst they’re a tough act to follow, there’s a new generation who are once again leading the charge. It’s perhaps Malgorzata …
LFF Review: I am Samuel
If you’re gay and out in most places in the world you’re likely to face some level of prejudice and/or discrimination on a daily basis. However, whilst it’s all highly unpleasant, unnecessary and out of order, there’s a stark difference between how you’re treated in a ‘progressive’ country and more ‘traditional’ state. According to Amnesty …
LFF Review: Chess of the Wind
Given the turbulent political and social situation that has dogged Iran’s modern history, it’s in many ways surprising that their cinema is so good. Despite operating under a number of restrictions and government censorship, it’s easily the strongest filmmaking country in the region. Despite the odds stacked against them, Iranian directors have been regular award-winners …
Nightstream Review: Anything For Jackson
There’s seems to be nothing genre filmmakers love more than a good seance. Whether this meeting is a centrepiece or merely just an aside in a film, the possibly of connecting with the spirit world is an intoxicating and intriguing one. However, whilst the driver is normally an urge to speak with a loved one …