ANYONE with an interest in film will want to keep their diary free this Easter as the annual Wales One World Film Festival returns with a fresh line-up of intriguing films from around the world.
From Sun 18 Mar-Thurs 5 Apr the festival will be screening a selection of contemporary world cinema in a number of cinemas across Wales. In South and mid-Wales, Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff; The Riverfront, Newport; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea; Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan and Aberystwyth Arts Centre are amongst those providing cinema-goers with the opportunity to see films that might otherwise struggle to find a platform.
WOW opens on Sun 18 Mar with a screening of Turksib at Chapter Arts Centre – a stunning film from 1928 about the race to build a railway connecting Turkestan and Siberia. A live musical score from the Bronnt Industries Kapital will also accompany the stunning film, providing a unique experience for cinema fans.
Now entering its 12th year, one of WOW Festival’s main strengths lies in its diversity. Films range from the likes of Tales Of The Night – a spectacular animation film by Michel Ocelot that weaves fact and fairytale – to Las Acacias, Pablo Giorgelli’s slow-building, character-driven road movie that won the Caméra d’Or at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. There are also a number of documentaries, including Robert Mugabe… What Happened? about the despot’s rise to power and subsequent decline and Think Global, Act Rural.
Festival director David Gillam explained that Wales One World offers an insight into stories that other cultures have a contemporary interest in, and that the films give viewers the chance to discover things about the world they might not otherwise
know. “We clearly live in a more globally interconnected world than ever before, so that’s an important thing to do,” he said. “You get films that really give you a different view of the world.”
WOW Film Festival, various cinemas across Wales, Sun 18 Mar-Thurs 5 Apr. Tickets: prices vary. Info: www.wowfilmfestival.com
Festival Must Sees…
words: BETTI HUNTER
This Is Not a Film: Jafar Panahi, Iran 2011
We often take the films we see for granted, and give little thought to the various processes that go into their production. This Is Not A Film forces us to confront the realities of a society where the simple act of making a movie can result in imprisonment. Filmed entirely in acclaimed director Jafar Panahi’s house when he was awaiting trial for his opposition to the current regime in Iran, it shows him concocting ideas for his next film and discussing strategies with his lawyer. It’s a shocking and enthralling look at one man’s lack of civil liberties and his fight to avoid being silenced.
Turksib: Viktor Turin, Russia 1928
probably the most exciting event to hit WOW fest, Turksib is a compelling documentary detailing the race to build a railway between Turkestan and Siberia. Though first released almost a century ago its impact has not been lessened with time. Skilfully edited images of striking desert landscapes and labouring men are accompanied by an inspired soundtrack performed live by Bronnt Industries Kapital. Cardiff isn’t often host to such a unique cinematic experience, so any self-respecting film buff should already be queuing for their ticket.
Surviving Life: Jan Svankmajer, Czech Republic 2011
Dreams intertwine with reality in this surreal, subversive comedy about a bored office worker and his affair with a beautiful woman in red. They meet in his dreams, and as he grows more infatuated he seeks out ways to artificially stimulate and extend his fantasy. Whilst subtly poking fun at Freudian dream logic, Svankmajer also manages to create a charmingly unconventional look at the complexities of the subconscious, employing animation techniques reminiscent of the Python movies to emphasise the other-worldly subject. It’s a low-budget masterpiece that’s a refreshing antidote to the majority of CGI-heavy blockbusters currently being churned out by Hollywood on a weekly basis.
Old Dog: Pema Tseden, China (Tibet) 2010
A heartfelt tale that will appeal to pooch enthusiasts the world over, Old Dog tells the story of a shepherd whose wayward son sells his beloved Tibetan Mastiff. The shepherd rides into town to buy him back, only to discover that the rare breed are hugely in demand amongst the rich Chinese. Determined not to lose his pet, after many arguments with tradesmen he decides to take matters into his own hands. It’s a wonderfully comic, and at times devastating, story of man and his best friend. Depicting with real honesty and authenticity the realities of life in rural Tibet, its Welsh premiere should not be missed.
Mysteries of Lisbon: Raul Ruiz, Portugal/France 2011
In a costume drama with a difference, director Ruiz’s last film before his death combines an exploration of the complexities of love with a sumptuous exercise in visual extravagance. Presented in two parts with a fifteen minute interval, the story centres around one man whose life is unpicked to reveal a plethora of stories that involve a young orphan, a wealthy business man and a countess consumed by jealousy. The stunning production and meticulous attention to detail make it total eye-candy that would be just as entrancing if watched on mute, and as far as swan-songs go Ruiz’s effort undoubtedly leads the pack.
For trailers, detailed synopses and all screening dates, consult the WOW Film Festival website. Info: www.wowfilmfestival.com