From 15th September - 1st October The Scoop on the Southbank is showing some fantastic free films. Seating up to 800 people this outdoor amphitheatre is hosting screenings of some oldies and new films. Screenings start at 7.30pm and there's no booking or tickets needed, just show up early to guarantee a seat. All information is taken from The Scoop Website
Week 1
Up in the Air Wednesday 15 September
With a job that has him travelling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him. Starring George Clooney. (2009, 109 mins, US, Cert 15)
The Kite runner Thursday 16 September
Accessible, deftly directed and moving tale of childhood regret and adult atonement that covers three decades. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous events in war-torn Afghanistan. (2007, 127 mins, US Cert 12A)
The Bourne Ultimatum Friday 17 September
Matt Damon returns for the third time as Jason Bourne, who dodges a ruthless CIA official and his agents whilst searching for the origins of his life as a trained killer. (2007, 115 mins, US, 12A)
Week 2
The Hurt Locker Wednesday 22 September
Multi Oscar winner, The Hurt Locker tells the tale of an elite army bomb squad unit in Iraq who must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. (2009, 130 mins, US, Cert 15)
North by Northwest Thursday 23 September
A New York advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent by a group of spies and is pursued across the country whilst he looks for a way to survive. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant. (1959, 136 mins, US, Cert PG)
Pretty Woman Friday 24 September
A tough businessman needs an escort for some social events and hires a beautiful prostitute….only to fall in love. Starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. (1990, 119 mins, US Cert 15)
Week 3
Invictus Wednesday 29 September
The inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite the country. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. (2010, 133 mins, US, 12A)
Up Thursday 30 September
Superb animation telling the tale of a grumpy old man and plump little boy on their touching and exciting flight of fancy. (2009, 133 mins, US Cert U)
Dirty Dancing Friday 1 October
Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances (Baby) falls in love with the camp’s dancing teacher. Starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze (1987, 100 mins, US, Cert 12A)
Information
Food and drink is available on site from The Thames Bar.I n the event of rain the show may have to be cancelled. A cancellation decision will be made 30 minutes before the performance is due to start. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Once capacity is reached, admission will be on a one out, one in basis. The Scoop at More London reserves the right to refuse entry. The organiser reserves the right to make last minute changes to the programme for reasons beyond its control.
Location Directions from London Bridge station From London Bridge station, turn right along Tooley Street. Cross the road and after Hay's Galleria cut through More London Place heading towards Tower Bridge. A five minute walk in total.
Directions from Tower Hill station From Tower Hill station, cross the road, turn left and follow round onto Tower Bridge Approach. Cross over Tower Bridge and take the first set of steps down to the waterfront. About a ten minute walk in total.
Parking details More London is a pedestrian zone and there is limited on-street parking in the vicinity. The nearest NCP car park is behind Guy's Hospital.
By Tube/train to London Bridge Jubilee line or Northern line By Tube to Tower Hill Circle line, District line or DLR
By Bus to Tooley Street 47, RV1 By Bus to Tower Bridge Rd 42, 78, 188, 381
Below I've selected some films and events which I recommend seeing at this years Raindance Film Festival 29th Sept - 10 Oct 2010. All information is taken from the Raindance Website Best of British Strand
Five Daughters - British - Philippa Lowthorpe Five women, all working as street prostitutes to fund drug habits, were murdered in the British town of Ipswich in 2006. This is their story. Trailer Wed 6 Oct - 7pm
Ollie Kepler's Expanding Purple World - British - Viv Fongenie A darkly comic tale of a young man’s battle with madness. Website Thurs 30 Sept - 8.30pm
Documentary Films
American Grindhouse - USA - Elijah Drenner American Grindhouse explores the hidden history of the American Exploitation Film and unearths the shameless and occasionally shocking origins of this popular entertainment. Trailer Screening date and time to be announced
Stolen - Australian - Violeta Ayala, Dan Fallshaw A controversial documentary following the family reunion of a refugee which spirals out of control. Trailer Sat 9 Oct - 4.45pm
There Once Was An Island - New Zealand/Papa New Guinea - Briar March There Once Was an Island follows the small community that inhabits the tiny Polynesian island of Takuu, which is slowly succumbing to rising sea levels. Trailer Sun 3 Oct - 5.45pm
This Way Of Life - New Zealand - Thomas Burstyn A film about a family. Mum, dad, six kids and 50 wild horses; a beach, a mountain and a burnt down house. Trailer Fri 1 Oct - 6.15pm
Japanese Films Lost & Found - Japanese - Nobuyuki Miyake This is a portrait of various people that come across a Lost and Found office. Something that is once lost but is found again. Trailer Wed 6 Oct - 5.15pm
Symbol - Japanese - Hitoshi Matsumoto A man wakes up and mysteriously finds himself trapped in an empty, white rectangular room, wearing clownish bright yellow polka dot pyjamas. Trailer Sat 2 Oct - 9.00pm
North American Indies
The Lake Effect - USA - Tara Miele Rob Lawson’s perpetual quest for success is interrupted when his estranged daughter shows up pregnant, challenging him to be a father before he becomes a grandfather. Trailer Tues 5 Oct - 10.00pm
On Holiday - USA - Brian McGuire A young man moves to Los Angeles looking for adventure. He finds drugs, sex, and electronic blues music. What next? Trailer Thur 30th Sept - 6.30pm
Treasure of The Black Jaguar - USA - Mike Bruce Two boys discover easy money is just a mirage when this desert-based caper takes a murderous turn. Trailer Sat 2 October - 8.00pm Sat 9 Oct - 7.00pm - The Mayfair
We Are The Mods - USA - E. E. Cassidy An original and authentic coming of age drama about teen identity and emerging sexuality. Trailer Wed 6 Oct - 9.30 pm. Q&A after the screening
Raindance Symphony Orchestra
A Serbian Film - Serbian - Srdjan Spasojevic A shocking horror about sex, violence, and the depth of human corruption. Trailer Fri 8 Oct - 10.45pm
Sounds like a Revolution - Canadian - Summer Love A documentary about the uprising of politically motivated protest music throughout the USA. Trailer Wed 6 Oct - 7.15pm
Advance Press Screenings
Son of Babylon - British/Iraqi - Mohamed Al-Daradji Two weeks after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Ahmed, a 12-year-old boy begrudgingly follows in the shadow of his grandmother deep into Iraq in seach of his missing father. Trailer Screening date and time to be announced
99 Minute Film Classes These short classes are taught by industry practitioners at a very low price, well worth going if you're after inside knowledge in the film-making world.
Raindance Tour 2010 Three selected films will tour at four Apollo Cinemas around the country in September.
My Suicide- USA - David Lee Miller A teen coming-of-age romantic dramedy about a media-obsessed geek and the most beautiful and twisted girl in school. Trailer Redditch/Burnley/Torbay/Leamington Spa on 6th September 18.30
It Came From Kuchar - USA - Jennifer M. Kroot It Came From Kuchar is a hilarious and touching story of artistic obsession, compulsion and inspiration. Trailer Burnley/Redditch/Torbay on Mon 13th September at 18.30
25 Carats - Spanish - Patxi Amézcua A tense thriller set in Barcelona’s criminal underworld. Trailer Redditch/Burnley/Torbay/Leamington Spa on Mon 20th September at 18.30
Alexander Mackendrick Lecture - Tues 5th October - 6pm Mike Newell comes to Raindance for this year’s Alexander Mackendrick Memorial Interview. Fred Hogge looks back at his work. Event Page
Below are listed the films I would recommend checking out at this years BFI London Film Festival; which category they are in, a short description, a trailer and when and where they can be seen.
It's looking like the best festival yet!
All info is taken from the BFI Website.
Galas & Special Screenings
127 Hours - British - Danny Boyle Gripping, adventurous film-making and headline grabbing drama from Oscar-winning Danny Boyle.
Trailer
A powerful contemporary drama set in Barcelona's underworld, with an award-winning performance from Javier Bardem.
Trailer
Tue 26 Oct. 20:45. Vue Screen 7
Tue 26 Oct. 21:00. Vue Screen 5
Wed 27 Oct. 15:00. Vue Screen 7
Black Swan - USA - Darren Aronofsky A sophisticated psychological thriller set in the milieu of the New York Ballet.
Trailer
Fri 22 Oct. 20:30. Vue Screen 5
Fri 22 Oct. 20:45. Vue Screen 7
Sun 24 Oct. 14:45. Vue Screen 5
Mon 25 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Conviction - USA - Tony Goldwyn Based on real events, Hilary Swank stars in this uplifting story of one woman's persistence to overturn a miscarriage of justice.
Trailer
Fri 15 Oct. 20:30. Vue Screen 5
Fri 15 Oct. 20:45. Vue Screen 7
Sat 16 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Mon 18 Oct. 14:45. Vue Screen 5
The Kids are Alright - USA - Lisa Cholodenko Julianne Moore and Annette Benning star in a smart and funny story of modern family life.
Trailer
Mon 25 Oct. 20:15. Vue Screen 5
Mon 25 Oct. 20:30. Vue Screen 7
Tue 26 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Wed 27 Oct. 15:15. Vue Screen 6
Miral - French/Italian/Israeli/Indian - Julien Schnabel A richly textured look at one woman's experience of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trailer
Mon 18 Oct. 20:15. Vue Screen 5
Mon 18 Oct. 20:30. Vue Screen 7
Tue 19 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Wed 20 Oct. 12:15. Vue Screen 5
Never Let Me Go - British - Mark Romanek A haunting story of love and loss based on Kazuo Ishiguro's best-selling novel.
Trailer
Wed 13 Oct. 19:00. Odeon Leicester Square
Fri 15 Oct. 12:45. Vue Screen 6
Sun 17 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Uncle boonmee who can recall his past live - Thai/British/French/German/Spanish - Apichatpong Weerasethakul Apichatpong's fabulous Palme d'Or winner uses a gathering of humans and ghosts around a dying man as the springboard for amazing memories and fantasies.
Trailer
A small boy reacts badly to his father's departure from the family home in Diego Luna's engaging feature debut.
Trailer
Mon 25 Oct. 17:45. Vue Screen 5
Tue 26 Oct. 15:00 Vue Screen 7
Benda Bilili! - French - Renaud Barret, Florent de la Tullaye
Staff Benda Bilili are a band of homeless, disabled Congolese and street children playing both conventional and improvised instruments, and rise from desperate circumstances to international acclaim.
Trailer
Thu 21 Oct. 18:15. Vue Screen 7
Fri 22 Oct. 12:45. Vue Screen 6
Film Socialisme - Swiss/French - Jean-Luc Godard Enigmatic as ever, but provocative and visually vibrant, Jean-Luc Godard's latest film takes to the Mediterranean, with Patti Smith briefly glimpsed on board.
How I Ended This Summer - Russian - Alexei Popogrebsky A taut psychological drama set against a striking polar landscape.
Trailer
Sat 23 Oct. 17:45. Vue Screen 5
Mon 25 Oct. 15:30. BFI NFT2
Howl - USA - Robert Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman An imaginative interpretation of Allen Ginsberg's poem, and the battle for artistic freedom it provoked.
Trailer Tue 26 Oct. 18:00. Vue Screen 7
Wed 27 Oct. 12:15. Vue Screen 5
It's Kind of a Funny Story - USA - Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck A funny, astute and authentic look at the sometimes difficult process of growing up.
Trailer
Tue 19 Oct. 18:15. Vue Screen 7
Wed 20 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Thu 21 Oct. 14:45. Vue Screen 5
Let Me In - USA - Matt Reeves A shy young boy realises his new friend might not be the innocent she first appears in this atmospheric and ultra-modern vampire tale.
Trailer
Thu 14 Oct. 20:15. Vue Screen 5
Thu 14 Oct. 20:30. Vue Screen 7
Fri 15 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Sat 16 Oct. 12:45. Vue Screen 6
Poetry - South Korean - Lee Changdong Cannes winner Lee Changdong shows scenes from the life of an ageing woman who joins a poetry class – and then learns that her grandson is implicated in a terrible crime.
Trailer
Thu 21 Oct. 20:15. Vue Screen 5
Fri 22 Oct. 14:45. Vue Screen 5
A Somewhat Gentle Man - Norwegian - Hans Petter Moland Stellan Skarsgård stars in this droll, dark comedy about an ex-convinct's return to his hometown.
Trailer
Wed 27 Oct. 20:45. Vue Screen 7
Thu 28 Oct. 12:30. Vue Screen 7
Submarino - Danish - Thomas Vinterberg A powerful story of two brothers' attempts to escape a childhood of neglect.
Trailer
Sun 24 Oct. 21:00. Vue Screen 6
Tue 26 Oct. 12:15. Vue Screen 5
WasteLand - British/Brazillian - Lucy Walker An uplifting portrait of the garbage pickers in Rio who participated in a project with artist Vik Muniz.
Trailer
Fri 15 Oct. 17:45. Vue Screen 5
Sat 16 Oct. 15:00. Vue Screen 7
French Revolutions
Copacabana - French - Marc Fitoussi Isabelle Huppert plays a free-spirited mother getting to grips with the working life (and the Belgian seaside) in this brisk, intelligent comedy.
Trailer
Sun 24 Oct. 21:00. CINE LUMIERE
Tue 26 Oct. 15:15. Vue Screen 6
Cinema Europa
JOY - Dutch - Mijke de Jong
The story of one girl's search for the mother who abandoned her, impressively filmed throughout Amsterdam's high-rises and shelters.
Trailer
Tue 19 Oct. 18:30. NFT3
Wed 20 Oct. 14:00. NFT
Thu 21 Oct. 16:15. ICA 1
Hunting & Sons - Dutch - Sander Burger The disturbing tale of a young couple whose marriage disintegrates when they become pregnant.
Trailer
Fri 22 Oct. 20:45. NFT3
Mon 25 Oct. 16:15. NFT3
My Joy - Ukranian/Dutch/German - Sergei Loznitsa A chance encounter leads to a nightmare journey into a Russian heart of darkness.
Trailer Sun 24 Oct. 18:15. Vue Screen 6
Mon 25 Oct. 12:45. Vue Screen 6
World Cinema
Catfish - USA - Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman A provocative and unsettling documentary about the impact of social media.
Trailer
Sat 23 Oct. 21:15. Vue Screen 3
Mon 25 Oct. 15:30. Vue Screen 3
Cold Weather - USA - Aaron Katz A crime film that refuses to be recognised as one. Cold Weather rarely takes an expected turn.
Trailer
Sat 16 Oct. 20:45. BFI NFT2
Sun 17 Oct. 13:15. BFI NFT2
Mon 18 Oct. 21:00. ICA 1
Journey's End - Canadian - Jean-Francois Caissy Jean-François Caissy's poignant, allegorical documentary portrait of an old people's home and its residents.
Trailer Sun 17 Oct. 21:00. Vue Screen 3
Mon 18 Oct. 13:00. Vue Screen 3
Lemmy - USA - Greg Olliver, Wes Orshoski An outstanding documentary portrait of the 'Greatest Living Englishman'.
Trailer
Sat 23 Oct. 21:00. BFI NFT1
Mon 25 Oct. 12:15. Vue Screen 5
Wed 27 Oct. 19:00. STUDIO
Life, Above All - South Africa/German - Oliver Schmitz A powerful drama about a courageous young girl fighting prejudice in her African village.
Trailer Tue 26 Oct. 20:15. Vue Screen 6
Wed 27 Oct. 12:45. Vue Screen 6
Sandcastle - Singaporean - Boo Junfen A young man learns truths about his late father which change his view of himself, his mother and the modern history of Singapore in Boo Junfeng's accomplished debut.
Trailer
Fri 15 Oct. 18:45. ICA 1
Sun 17 Oct. 16:15. ICA 1
The Taqwacores - USA - Eyad Zahra The Taqwacores may have a provocative, insurrectionary swagger about it, yet it emerges as a heartfelt, spirited and positive blast of indie cinema.
Trailer Fri 22 Oct. 21:00. BFI NFT1
Sun 24 Oct. 15:30. Vue Screen 3
Wed 27 Oct. 20:45. RICH MIX Screen 1
William S. Burroughs: A Man Within - USA - Lony Yeyser Yony Leyser's riveting and perceptive documentary attempts to get to the heart of Burroughs using the themes that drove him as a starting point: drugs, sexuality and weapons.
Trailer
Sun 17 Oct. 20:30. BFI NFT2
Mon 18 Oct. 13:45. BFI NFT2
Tue 19 Oct. 18:45. ICA 1
American Express Screen Talks Darren Aronofsky - Sat 23 Oct. 16:00. BFI NFT1 One of the most exciting directors of his generation joins us to talk about his brilliant work
Mark Romanek - Thu 14 Oct. 21:00. BFI NFT1 The director of our Opening Night Film joins us to discuss his stunning music video work and his thought provoking feature films.
Masterclasses Peter Mullan - Thu 21 Oct. 18:30. BFI NFT1 The highly driven actor, director, writer and producer, offers an insight into his fascinating career.
Portobello Film Festival celebrates its 15th Birthday this year when venues open up their doors to the public from 2nd September - 19th September. Admission is free and withlong and short films being shown of all different genres this festival isn't to be missed.
News just in is that 127 Hours has been chosen as the final film in the 54th British Film Institute London Film Festival. Due to be shown on the 28th October the film stars Golden Globe winner James Franco (Milk) and depicts the true-life story of mountaineer Aron Ralston who found himself trapped alone in Moab, Utah between a boulder and canyon wall with no easy way out. His options are either death or a penknife amputation, abseiling a 65 foot rock face and walking over 8 miles to possible safety. Danny Boyle closed the London Film Festival in 2008 with Slumdog Millionaire and I'm sure this new project won't fail to impress either.
