The Russell Hobbs British Film Festival is one of my favourites and the line up for this year looks as good as ever. Here are ten tips for this year’s Festival.
Here are my tips for the 2024 Festival.
MERCHANT IVORY. I was lucky enough to get a preview of this movie before the Festival. Anyone interested in movies will find this a fascinating behind the scenes look into what it takes to make a film. The film offers a fascinating look into a partnership between James Ivory and Ismail Merchant that produced 43 groundbreaking films over four decades. It also touches on the well understood but never discussed personal bond between the two men Filmmaker Stephen Soucy explores the struggles behind Merchant Ivory’s elegant façade, sharing amusing and candid stories from cast and crew including Vanessa Redgrave, Emma Thompson, and Hugh Grant. It’s equally fascinating seeing them in their early days of acting. Little did they know what was to come.
CONCLAVE. A fascinating thriller is not on often during the Festival so keep a keen eye out for it. I’m fairly sure it’s on Nov 10, but you’d better check to make sure you don’t miss it. The story centres on Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is entrusted with overseeing this clandestine, centuries-old process following the sudden death of the beloved Pope. As the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders gather from across the globe and are sequestered within the Vatican, Lawrence becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and uncovers a secret that could threaten the very foundation of the Church. This gripping film, set over a few tense days in Vatican City, is filled with suspense and intrigue. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, Sergio Castellitto, and John Lithgow, Conclave is a rich and complex narrative exploring ambition, morality, and the dynamics of power.
THIS TIME NEXT YEAR. A rom-com about Minnie and Quinn. The pair discover at a New Years’ Eve party that they were born on New Year’s Day in the same London hospital, just one minute apart. Minnie believed that first born Quinn stole the name her mother intended for her and with it, all her luck, leading to a life of misfortune. Shocked by this misunderstanding Quinn is determined to set things right.
THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES. Nick Broomfield met Brian Jones at age 14, only for the musical genius and founder of The Rolling Stones to die six years later. Through interviews and previously unseen footage, Broomfield sheds light on Jones’ life, from his wild performances to his early, more private moments. The film include interviews with the cool and collected Bill Wyman along with Brian’s former girlfriends, who share stories of his tumultuous relationships. Broomfield explores Jones’ unstable home life, rivalry within the band, and the profound influence of the 1960s’ sexual, fashion, societal, and musical revolutions. This documentary provides a deeper understanding of Jones’ legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the band’s early sound and spirit.
BLITZ. Steve McQueen’s visually stunning period drama depicting pivotal moments of World War II in London. The powerful and sweeping portrayal of British life during these events, which arrives direct from its London Film Festival Premiere, features stellar central performances from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Weller, in addition to exceptional newcomer Elliot Heffernen who plays 9 year old George.
WE LIVE IN TIME. Featuring beautifully nuanced performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this heart rendering romance delves into the profound question of how to make the most of the time we have in this world.
WIDOW CLICQUOT. This British/French co-production based on a true story offers an effervescent portrait of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot.
FALLING INTO PLACE. The tender drama follows Kira (played by Tezel) and Ian, each fleeing their own personal struggles, who cross paths during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye. Their connection is profound but when they return to London, they must both confront their past.
FOUR LETTERS OF LOVE, featuring a commanding ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter. Polly Steele’s beautiful story follows Nicholas and Isabel who are destined for each other, as ghosts, fate and the sheer power of true love pull them together, so too does life threaten to tear them apart.
And last but not least, make sure you get in super quick for tickets, they always sell fast.
The Festival runs from November 6 to December 8. For more information go to Luna Cinemas