The 54th Pula Film Festival running from 12th to 21st July in the historic Istrian city brings crowds of cheery Croatians to alfresco screenings in what must be Europe's most magical "cinema"- the majestic Arena constructed by the Emperor Vespasian for his mistress more than 1900 years ago.Here unreel the latest new Croatian films,competing for Golden Arena trophies and represented by delegations of film-makers who then can enjoy the latest international movies as late-night previe...
The European Film Award has certainly changed...changed sex, changed location, and now ,at 19, Europe's attempt to emulate the "Oscar" has finally come of age with a well-presented,dignified ceremony and a splashy but stylish party in Warsaw, not perhaps the most beautiful of Old Europe's capitals,but the first venue in Eastern -sorry, Central- Europe to host the event so far.And, contrary to those who may think that most of the Polish population has recently taken up residence in England, the l...
There is no doubt that the current International Filmfestival MANNHEIM-HEIDELBERG has capably regained its position as the second most significant cinema event in Germany, after the Berlinale. From 16th to 25th November, 2006 these lovely cities in Badem-Wurtemberg (a short drive from the vast Frankfurt airport) are home to an impeccably organised celebration of art-house cinema,which has reached its 55th edition with renewed vigour and a welcome sense of style. A legendary birthing event for nu...
I felt like Liza Minnelli, when she used to sing that saga entitled "Ring them bells" which underlined how after roaming the world you will find love on your doorstep,or with a nearby neighbour.Although hailing from Yorkshire, and for some years contributing to the Bradford Film Festival, I had actually never ever attended the Leeds International Film Festival.(At the National Museum of Photography Film and Television,that was not encouraged- though the current director of the Leeds Festival,a c...
The sun certainly shone on Sevilla's successfully revamped 100 Per Cent European Film Festival, which ran from 3rd to 11th November 2006 in the sensuous Andalucian city.
(Actually, much of the downtown of this beautiful southern Spanish metropolis is currently scarred by the construction of a new underground transport system so not only the flamenco dancers have to watch their steps to cross from one florid architectural wonder to the next. Personally, I am rather fearful that whenever the firs...
The second Thursday of the 50th Times BFI London Film Festival began promisingly with my first if brief visit to the Film-makers' Breakfasts held some mornings in the festival hotel, the St James Sofitel. a converted bank in the heart of clubland.In the small oak- panelled bar, directors du jour were already seated at 9.30am for their 90-minute rounds of interviews, cheerily marshalled by perky PRs.I managed a short but pleasant interview(see it here later!) with Denmark's Pernille Fischer Chris...
