Ahh my favourite film festival, the Cunard British Film Festival starts October 19th 2022. If you are time poor or cash strapped here are my top 11 tips for this year.
This year represents the 10th anniversary of the British Film Festival. Get ready to be spoilt for choice once again with a number of exclusive premieres, thoughtful dramas, documentaries and comedies, the majority of which are screening for the first time in Australia. So what are my picks for this year?
- The Banshees Of Inisherin
One of my all time favourite movies is In Bruges so it’s a no brainer that I’ll be seeing the makers latest film, The Banshees Of Inisherin. It also happens to star the wonderful Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Set in the Irish West Coast, the film is a tragicomedy about two life long friends and a feud that sees one of them not talking to the other, but why? As one of the friends declares, “It’s about one boring man leaving another alone.”
2. Mrs Harris Goes To Paris – Opening Night
If you like attending opening night events put this one in your diary – October 19. Aside from watching a top film starring Lesley Manville on a trip through Parisian high fashion, you’ll get to sip on Bulldog Gin G&Td, sparking wine, and mocktails.
3. Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All
If you saw the first Fisherman’s Friends film you’ll definitely want to check out the follow up. Based on a true story it looks into the lives of the sea shanty singing group from Cornwall as they prepare for a comeback.
4. Living
What’s a British Film Festival without Bill Nighy? Nothing. This time he’s leaving behind his octopus tentacles to play a terminally ill man searching for meaning in 1950s London. I’m assuming I will need tissues.
5. The Lost King
Based on the true story of the discovery of King Richard III’s remains beneath a Leicester car park, the film follows the quest of amateur historian Philippa Langley who is initially dismissed by academics. Starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan it’s bound to be good.
6. Rogue Agent
James Norton is yet to steer me wrong, though his darkened eyebrows did in a recent television drama I saw him in, I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Based on real events, the film tells the chilling true story of Robert Freegard (James Norton), a conman posing as an undercover MI5 agent, who kidnaps countless victims amidst a high-stakes manhunt.
7. There’s Always Hope
For all the writers out there we have There’s Always Hope, with Colm Meaney as a self-obsessed writer who has let his marriage fall apart. Only problem is his wife is also his agent and editor.
8. 60 Years Of Bond
As we wait for the new Bond to be revealed why not check out the retrospective, 60 Years Of Bond films. Honouring all the actors who played the iconic Agent 007, it will include; DR. NO, the one that started it all, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, GOLDFINGER, THUNDERBALL, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE featuring Australian George Lazenby in the lead, LIVE AND LET DIE Roger Moore’s first epic outing as 007, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, LICENCE TO KILL, GOLDENEYE, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, Daniel Craig’s first turn as 007 in CASINO ROYALE and SKYFALL, starring Craig and Judi Dench.
9. Quant
A documentary feature directed by Sadie Frost, which celebrates the incredible life and work of one of the most influential icons of 20th Century fashion, designer Dame Mary Quant.
10. Quintessentially British
This documentary asks the question What does it mean to be Quintessentially British? Naturally it explores all things British, from historic castles and figures to iconic music.
11. Brian and Charles
I know I should stop at 10 but I really like the sound of this documentary. Starring David Earl (frequent Ricky Gervais collaborator), in which Brian, a lonely inventor, decides to build a robot for company but ends up having to deal with far more than he bargained for.
The Cunard British Film Festival runs in Perth from 19 October – 16 November 2022.
For more information go to the Cunard British Film Festival. For session times go to Luna Cinema and Palace Cinemas
