The Glass Guide to London Film Festival: the global preview
Amour
Where Set in Paris, France
Who Directed by Michael Haneke
What After wowing all at Cannes, this tale of an octogenarian couple struggling to cope after one partner suffers from a stroke shows glimpses of drama at its most emotive. An exploration of human nature and, in particular, the lasting effects of love, meted out through Haneke’s minutely observed narrative, this will be the opportunity to witness just why the Austrian director walked away with this year’s Palme d’Or.
When Showing October 11, 13
Neighbouring Sounds
Where Set in Recife, Brazil
Who Directed by Kleber Mendoca Filho
What A bold, visceral debut feature that chooses to focus on the middle classes rather than the favelas, Neighbouring Sounds conjures a vibrant picture of a Brazil not often seen on western screens. Characterised by the sights and sounds of the surroundings as much as the central characters, the film’s barking dogs, builders’ drills and children’s football games all play a part as the tensions and paranoias of the squeezed middle play out, making for colourful and compelling viewing.
When Showing October 17, 21
Beasts Of The Southern Wild
Where Set in Louisiana, USA
Who Directed by Benh Zeitlin
What One of the most hyped films at this year’s festival, not least for the stand-out performance of the eight-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis (remember that name around Oscar-time next year), this part-disaster, part magic-realist tale charts the survival of a drunk dad and determined daughter from the deep South amid the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One of the standout screenings from the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, expect this to be one of the festival’s hottest tickets.
When Showing October 12, 13, 14
In Another Country
Where Set in Hanang, South Korea
Who Directed by Hong Sangsoo
What This multi-tiered comic romance ties together the tales of three French visitors – all played by Elizabeth Huppert – to the Korean beach resort of Mohang. Touching on love, destiny and infidelity, Sangsoo’s art of storytelling and light touch making this a perfect picture for fans of Asian auteur cinema, which both charms and amuses in equal measure.
When Showing October 15, 17
Tall As The Baobab Tree
Where Set in rural Senegal
Who Directed by Jeremy Teicher
What Teicher’s debut feature is a sensitive depiction of generational differences in a Senegalese village that sees a teenage girl hatch a plan to rescue her 11-year-old sister from an arranged marriage. Beautifully photographed and subtly observed, Tall As The Baobab Tree is rich in the picture it paints of an African culture where traditional values are being challenged by the youth, yet sides are never taken in a film that is low key yet stirringly effective.
When Showing October 14, 15, 18
My Brother The Devil
Where Set in London, UK
Who Directed by Sally El Hosaini
What With footage taken from last year’s London riots, and convincing central performances – including those from non-professional actors – My Brother The Devil charts the tale of two siblings growing up on a housing estate in the London borough of Hackney. Yet far more than just another gang movie, its often bleak depiction of day-to-day reality is given buoyancy with moments of considered pathos while a tightly-wound plot gives dynamism to a film that was rightly decorated with awards at both Sundance and Berlin film festivals.
When Showing October 16, 19, 21
by Ben Olsen
For more information about the London Film Festival, please visit the BFI site here