We've already started receiving bits and pieces regarding the London Film Festival later in the year, but between this weekend's FrightFest and October there are a couple of Festivals you'd be mad to miss. First up is one of our favourites: Raindance.
Last year we had such a blast watching premieres of Dead Man's Shoes and Old Boy alongside the gay 'comedy' of Paul Hogan, The Onion's spam-tastic Chevy Chase starring unreleased, unloved but very funny Bad Meat as well as some kick arse martial arts, the occasional caper movie, gangsters and Japanese horror. The line up is always eclectic and it's often the first place to see movies that the rest of the world will only cotton on to months if not years later.
This year is set to be another corker. We haven't got the final line up yet, but here's what we know.
The Oscar nominated actress and political activist Vanessa Redgrave will be on hand with her director and son Carlo Nero to present The Fever at a special screening and Q&A.
Elsewhere there's a lot of music on offer and to prove that nowhere is safe from Pete Doherty, Raindance will be showing some very raw footage of The Libertines jamming in Doherty's flat. Filmed by Anne McCloy and raided by our very own boys in blue.
Moving sharply up the talent scale we get to see Billy Childish is Dead complete with Q&A with the man himself and a live acoustic set.
Punk: Attitude is another documentary stuffed with Super 8 footage and contributions from Tommy Ramone, Siouixsie Sioux, the Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock and Jim Jarmusch. Another Q&A to follow. TV Party is the story of a New York cable show from the 70's featuring the likes of The Clash’s Mick Jones, Talking Head’s David Byrne and Debbie Harry.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston is the winner of this year’s Sundance Director’s Award and is a look into the roller-coaster life of the manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter whose illness gives him delusions of the devil that haunts his life.
The Steve Buscemi directed Lonesome Jim, Saul Metzsein’s black comedy Guy X and the Naomi Watts starring Ellie Parker head up the film selections along with Night Watch for those of you that miss it this weekend or just want to see it again.
No news yet on the festival's opening movie, but the whole shebang closes with Dumplings. If you thought Old Boy got folks talking wait until you get a load of this. Seeing as we've already seen it we'll bring you a review nearer the time, but it's a very disturbing look at the pressures of aging as one woman enlists the help of a secret ingredient to stay young. The film looks beautiful even as it brings you images that will make you want to shave your eyeballs.
It put us off eggs for life.
More news on Raindance as we get it and full coverage once the festival begins. Festival passes go on sale next week. Keep an eye on the website for details and thanks as always to Emma for keeping us in the loop.
