The Glasgow Film Festival has fast crafted a reputation as one if the UK’s most innovative festivals. The eleventh edition of the Glasgow Film Festival begins tomorrow, here’s a brief rundown of some of this year’s highlights.
The 2015 festival kicks off with the Opening Gala and the European premier of Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young, a wry comic tale of a filmmaker crashing headlong into a creative vacuum. Ticket holders also gain entry to the opening night gala party at The Art School.
Australia’s best are honoured with a series of films from Down Under. Outback classics such as Mad Max 2, screened on at the IMAX, and Angus Sampson and Tony Mahony’s darkly comic, The Mule will feature.
Catering for the Youtube generation, the Gallery of Modern Art will host the Internet Cat Video Festival, celebrating the ubiquitous cat video phenomenon. Two whole days of nothing but feline fun should prove interesting.
Jeely Jars and Seeing Stars will collate the city’s cinema-going memories in a multimedia exhibition featuring voiceovers both from both celebrities and ordinary folk. Entry to the exhibition, on at the Mitchell Library Glasgow Room, is free.
Festival regulars the Frighfest team will return to the festival once more, peddling horror for Glaswegian gorehounds. Tickets are generally snapped up well in advance so best of luck if you’ve not already got yours. This year’s horror strand will feature a special screening of Mario Bava’s seminal Blood and Black Lace and the world premiere of April Mullen’s 88.
Improv comedian Paul Merton, a notable fan of silent comedy, will be on hand to reflect on the genius of Buster Keaton. Merton will team with pianist Neil Brand to reflect on one of cinemas great pioneers.
Video game documentary, The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters will be screened at Drygate Brewery’s pop-up arcade, specially constructed for the screening. Retro arcade games will be provided to compliment the movie so make sure you’re suitably loaded with coins. Run out of change and head to the IMAX for Video Game Empty for your chance to play games on the big screen and witness a live action game of Dungeons and Dragons.
Ted Kotcheff’s notorious Wake in Fright, once lauded by Nick Cave as the most terrifying film about Australia gets a rare showing. Infamous for its brutality, Martin Scorsese called it deeply unsettling, the film is noted for its violence and unflinching portrayal of life in the bush. Not for the faint of heart.
Fans of ITV drama Broadchurch should not pass up the chance to hear series composer Olafur Arnalds perform his televisual score live at the O2 ABC.
The UK Premiere of Ruben Ostlund’s Force Majeure closes the festival on Sunday 01 March. The story of a father who abandons his family in a mountain-top restaurant as an avalanche approaches, this competed in the Un Certain Regard section at last year’s Cannes Festival and looks to be a thrilling way to end this year’s GFF.
Chris Banks
Tickets are still available for majority of the films part of Glasgow Film Festival (Prices start from £9 Adults), they can be booked in person at GFT Box Office and CCA Box Office during the festival. By Telephone (0141 332 6535) or online at www.glasgowfilm.org/festival where you can get full info on the programme.
