FILM NEWS: PORTSMOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 4:26PM | Leila De Lara 
Passionate and determined, the organisers behind the 4th Annual Portsmouth Film Festival have set up a menagerie of delights for film fans headed to the South of England this October. Local premieres, world cinema, events, and projections head up nine days of cinematic diversity. The range of venues allow for a variance in backdrops, with even a drive-in movie experience (with Europe's largest screen) set up with the choice of feature put to public vote.
Award winning documentaries take a look at the ever prevalent issue of sustainability, some of which boast question and answer sessions, or introductions with prominent members of the production team. The beautifully ornate New Theatre Royal will be showcasing the visibly sumptuous, yet controversial 1923 telling of Oscar Wilde's play “Salome”. Its showing is a rarity in itself, yet audiences will also revel in the opportunity to see it accompanied by a live musical performance.
The Independent No:6 Cinema, found in the midst of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard, and known for its screenings of movies out of the mainstream, will be the centre of several of the main attractions in this year's line up. The Southern Premiere of Jack Said, a film based on the award winning graphic novel, stars the like of David O'Hara (Departed, Bravehart), Danny Dyer (Doghouse, Severence), Terry Stone (Rise of the Foot Soldier), and new talent, Simon Phillips. Produced by Portsmouth local, Toby Meredith, Jack Said is a prequel to 2008's feature Jack Says, which not only starred Mike Reid, who tragically died during production, but also Rula Lenska and Eric Cantona. The films aim to encapsulate the essence of Film Noir, firmly placing it alongside a modern thriller setting.
World cinema is also featured throughout the festival and throughout the nine days, various screenings will focus on the topics of life and death. In addition, the festival will feature its renowned “Submissions” short film competition final.
There is indeed a big screen sing-a-long musical extravaganza to behold in the Guildhall Square, yet I must encourage festival goers to look out for some of the more experimental features - some of which will include film and art installations, and outdoor projections around the city. An unusual but intriguing idea also presents itself in a showing of the last 25 minutes of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, in collaboration with a live performance of Pink Floyd's “Echoes” by a successful local tribute band. It is reckoned that the synchronisation of the two arts combine to become an audio-visual masterpiece.
The 4th Portsmouth Film Festival runs from 3rd-11th October 2009. Many of its events are free.
For more information visit: www.portsmouthfilmfestival.org.uk
Details of Jack Said can be found at www.jacksaid.co.uk, with it being distributed by Optimum Releases http://www.optimumreleasing.com/press/?id=1174
Reader Comments (4)
I'm really looking forawrd to seeing Jack Said - I read the graphic novel and it was awsome!
I haven't read it, but I've heard about it! Another graphic novel worth adding to the 'to read' list!
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