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Go shoppingArriving just in time to metaphorically quell London’s heatwave, the 19th Raindance Film Festival runs from the 28th September to the 9th October this year. Still immersed in last year’s controversy – the festival screened the notoriously sickening ‘A Serbian Film’, despite the protestations of European censors – this year’s programme is still as cutting edge and internationally focussed as ever. Don’t worry if you didn’t manage to catch Sundance winner ‘Another Earth’ (starring milk-skinned newcomer Brit Marling) earlier this week – there’s still plenty more to watch, all screening at the Apollo Cinema in Piccadilly Circus. Here are a couple of recommended films and events to indulge the cinephile in you (keep checking back here for Litro exclusive reviews and interviews from the festival next week):
Monk3ys
Voluntarily locked in a cell for 48 hours with no restrictions and no outside help three emotional archetypes battle for psychological supremacy before they can be destroyed by their own weaknesses.
Litro says:
This one’s in the running for Best Micro Budget Feature. Not to be missed – set to be this year’s ‘A Serbian Film’; a searing look into the psychosis and weaknesses of the human mind.
Days Gone By
A man’s quest to cure his dying lover in a town plagued by disease, plunges him into a hallucinatory journey that will change his life forever.
Litro says:
The jerky, kaleidoscopic cinematography makes for a risky, but potentially eye-opening film. Contrasting use of colour and music could make this film visually, as well as narratively, compelling. Check back on Litro for an exclusive interview with director and writer John Zhao, who moved to New York to make his debut film with only a month’s rent in his pocket.
By Day and By Night
When over-population made co-existence impossible, the Government decided to divide the population by implanting an enzyme into people’s DNA. Hence, all humans are now regulated by solar light and darkness, tranforming people into either day or night inhabitants.
Litro says:
We like dystopia. We also like the juxtaposition of night and day, and the concept of a person either being nocturnal or sun-worshipping.
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A sizzling thriller about chance, escape and the oldest profession as two beautiful women experience one ugly night that will change their lives together.
Litro says:
An Australian feature film which focuses on prostitution and its repercussions, branching out into sexual politics and violence. Another side of Sydney you should be aware of. Plus, the trailer’s amazing.
The Kingdom of Survival
Hit the outlaw highway with M.A Littler as he explores modern skepticism in America with the likes of Noam Chomsky, Will Taylor and Joe Bageant.
Litro says:
One to turn over in your mind long after you’ve watched it. As Littler puts it, the film is for ‘those who simply refuse to believe that what is, could not be another way’.
Bonsai
In need of a plot, young writer Julio turns to the romance he had 8 years earlier with the beautiful Emilia when both were studying literature in Valdivia.
Litro says:
Raindance’s closing film is based on the critically acclaimed Alejandro Zambra novel, directed by cult director Cristián Jiménez, and features a structure reminiscent of Proust’s ‘Remembrance of Things Past’. If that’s not enough to make you go out and buy a ticket immediately, there’s also a Closing Night Gala attached to the screening.
PLUS:
Don’t forget to check out the various screenwriting, directing and producing masterclasses taking place during the week – plus check into the pop-up Raindance Film Cafe at Madd (Soho) to brush shoulders with filmmakers and actors.
Check the website for further information on times, dates and ticket fees.
Ysabelle Cheung
