LFF Review: 1976
In 1973, President Salvador Allende’s left-wing political alliance was overthrown by a military coupe d’état. This followed a period of social unrest and political turmoil. Led by General Augusto Pinochet, a group of military chiefs took control and formed a junta. Ending a period of relative stability when Chile was hailed as an example of …
LFF Review: Fragments of Paradise
Although the Lumière brothers are widely credited as the pioneers of what has become modern cinema, there wasn’t just one event, or film, which brought motion pictures to life. It was the culmination of the hard work and efforts of many, over a number of years. However, as a medium it never stands still. There …
LFF Review: Nayola
While it clearly had its benefits, colonialism was a blight on the African continent and continues to be so. Although independence began a new chapter in their history for many countries, it often led to a renewed period of turmoil. Angola, for instance, was thrown into civil war as soon as they threw off the …
Grimmfest Review: Magalomaniac
If you’re a fan of Netflix’s slick and stylish true crime dramas, you’ve probably noticed how bright and crisp they tend to be. Serial killers living in either spotless houses or in designer detritus. In reality, the picture tends to be a lot more squalid. While the base facts of the murders don’t change, the …
LFF Review: Under the Fig Trees
In many ways, workplaces seem to have their own ecosystems. Their unique hierarchies and relationship dynamics. There are the obvious power structures within any organisation, from the top down, which guide the direction of work, but there are also informal ones. Those interactions between workers which, over time, create an environment which is either conducive …
LFF Review: Hidden Letters
While we hardly live in an egalitarian utopia in the West, women’s rights are a lot more secure than in many places across the globe. However, we need to remain vigilant in defending these freedoms as there are those who want to take them away. Although the last century has seen much progress in the …
LFF Review: Coma
The COVID pandemic and the various lockdowns in different countries around the world created a problem for filmmakers. They couldn’t work in their usual way. Do they ride out the restrictions and then carry on as if nothing had happened or do they embrace these new circumstances? Using them as inspiration. Not a man to …
Film Review: The Cordillera of Dreams
According to Wikipedia, a cordillera is ‘an extensive chain and/or network system of mountain ranges’. Derived from a Spanish word, one of the most notable examples are the Andes Mountains. They form the longest continental range in the world and span seven different countries down the western side of South America. They’re the highest outside …
Film Review: Piggy
When you’re growing up, there are few things worse than catching the eye of the local bullies. It’s largely for this reason that most children try and fit in at school. Keep their heads down and merge into the crowd. Any differences are leapt upon and once they have you in their sights they’ll never …
Film Review: Deadstream
The evolution of technology and the internet has made it easier than ever for anyone with a few gadgets and a bit of kit to broadcast themselves to the world. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this is not necessarily a good thing. Indeed, the cult of the influencer, a person normally peddling an idea, ideology …