The Cunard British Film Festival is one of my favourite festivals, so you know where to find me if you can’t reach me between now and the end of November. This year my tips are …
Once again you can make your selections based on the film genre (I love a good black comedy or thriller), the stars, the director, or the country of origin. This year my tips are:
A who’s who line up
How many film festivals boast a line up like this, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Spall, Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren and Michael Caine. If that’s not enough there’s Glenda Jackson in her final role.
Closing Night Wicked Little Letters
Closing night is always fun and this year there’s the added benefit of the film selection, Wicked Little Letters. Starring Olivia Colman the film is set in the 1920’s and based on a true story about residents receiving wicked letters full of profanities. While an obvious suspect is rounded up, the town’s women suspect it may be someone else.
Specific films to look out for are:
ONE LIFE, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, fresh from its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. In this moving, almost-forgotten true story, Hopkins shines as Sir Nicholas Winton, the “British Schindler,” who rescued hundreds of children in the face of World War II.
THE CRITIC, is a wickedly mischievous reimagining of Anthony Quinn’s novel Curtain Call, featuring an all-star cast led by Sir Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton.
The Retrospective
This year’s Retrospective is BRITAIN’S FINEST LEADING LADIES, featuring six films celebrating the exceptional talent and contributions of British female actors throughout cinematic history. Including the Australia Premiere of CALIGULA – THE ULTIMATE CUT will be presented fully restored in 4K, 40 years after its infamous release.
I was lucky enough to get a look at SQUARING THE CIRCLE which take a look at some of the most iconic album covers, remember them? A fascinating trip down memory lane, mixed with interviews from the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, David Gilmour and Roger Waters along with Noel Gallagher and Peter Gabrial.
The Cunard British Film Festival runs through November. Make sure you get along to sample some of these brilliant works.
For more information go to Luna Cinema
