Wednesday 30 March 2011

The Festival of Britain at Borderlines



It's 60 years this May since the 1951 Festival of Britain. Borderlines is celebrating that time of austerity (a country still suffering deprivation from the effects of the Second World War) but also its progressive spirit, looking forward to change and greater prosperity. The Festival was intended as a kind of reward to the British population for what they had been through, ' a tonic to the nation' in the words of Gerald Barry, its director general.

We're showing a programme of films that were specially commissioned for the Festival of Britain but several of our classics, Rashomon, The African Queen, An American in Paris and The River date from 1951. There were no less than three cinemas in Hereford in 1951 and one of them, the County Theatre, held a Festival of British Film in July  as part of the local Festival of Britain celebrations. On the South Bank in London, the site of the main Festival exhibition, the Telekinema, the precursor of the National Film Theatre, showed 3D films and was extremely popular with visitors.

The South Bank will be the scene this summer of a 60th anniversary do with input from Tracey Emin, Ray Davies and Heston Blumenthal. Stella Mitchell from the fabulous Land of Lost Content in Craven Arms in Shropshire (go and visit - it's a treasure trove of 20th century popular culture) is one of the people who has been invited to contribute a Festival of Britain object. She's chosen a piece of ephemera, a paper parasol with the Festival of Britain symbol on it. She explains why:



All Photographs taken at of objects on display at The Land of Lost Content








World cinema on the Welsh Borders

Chatting to a friend who drove back from West Wales on Sunday evening in order to see the late evening showing of Of Gods & Men at the Courtyard theatre. He and his wife found Of Gods & Men excellent and very moving.  "Borderlines is such a wonderful festival" he said and added that we are so lucky to live in Herefordshire where we have the opportunity to see examples of World Cinema that are not available to many city dwellers. 

My next film visit will probably be at Moccas Village Hall which is hosting several memorable films this year.
Also, it is my nearest venue!

Posted by WriteRetreat
Photograph:
Borderlines among the daffodils - Moccas

Monday 28 March 2011

[borderlinesfilmfestival] Untitled comment

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fran Ham <fran@linklight.com>
Date: 28 March 2011 13:45
Subject: Re: [borderlinesfilmfestival] Untitled
To: comment-oxjagfipaDFBzBB@posterous.com


It is not surprising that mainstream films like Black Swan and 127 Hours are pulling in the audiences.  It would be strange if they didn't after all the pre-Oscar publicity and hype.   

However, in my view, Borderlines FilmFest is about discovering the little known - often foreign language - films that do not get shown anywhere else.  Glimpses of other worlds, which in my experience,  have painted vivid and enduring pictures in my mind. 

Over the years I have happened across films during Borderlines - sometimes just to fill in a gap between events - which have remained with me ever since. 
Posted by WriteRetreat

On 28 March 2011 13:16, borderlinesfilmfestival's posterous <post@borderlinesfilmfestival.posterous.com> wrote:
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Untitled

Posted by luke

YOU ALL LOOK LIKE YOU'RE FROM THE KU KLUX KLAN


Jo Brand's appearance at the Borderlines Film Festival saw a chunk of the festival population migrate east to the small town of Ledbury where Francine Stock interviewed her at the quaint Market Theatre.

It was an old and grey audience, in fact Jo was probably younger than most. But the comedian did not hold back and despite the desert island film formula carrying the evening Jo discussed racism, politics, and language and then questioned her own sensibility in discussing her left political leanings, suggesting most of the audience looked like they were from the Ku Klux Klan..... her sails were not down as she proceeded with another anecdote involving a 'cunt' of a manager. But Ledbury's lot lapped it up, there was constant chuckling the occasional impulsive clap and a general warm reception. She certainly commanded the audiences' devoted attention which was down to more than middle class manners.

Among her desert island films were Twin Town, To Kill a Mocking Bird and Riff Raff. There was a strong British representation including Bill Douglas and Ken Loach.

Otherwise at headquarters Courtyard the big guns are staking or breaking claims for the audience award. The 1st sold out serving of Black Swan had positive reviews, but there was a contingent of unhappy oldies who did not get the Hansel and Gretel ballet film they craved. With almost 1000 tickets sold Black Swan has reeled in Hereford's film audience by a margin. Released at a similar date at the turn of the year, 127 hours had a fairly equal footing during the heady weeks of awards season hysteria but lacked the knockout punch (like Natalie Portman's performance) that would have secured an Oscar and an increased box office. The surprise seller from this man's shoes has been My Afternoons with Margueritte, but targeted at the right audience a film like this, (and  Mike Leigh's Another Year), clearly has genuine Borderliners approval.

As there was little to choose between Black Swan and 127 Hours, children's film Megamind has been making a solid claim through the audience feedback. Could Megamind possibly win the audience award, and will the King's Speech be screened in Hereford for the 200th time. We pray and hope for different things.


Luke Owen

Posterous is the place to post everything. Just email us.

"You all look like you're from the Ku Klux Klan"

Jo Brand's appearance at the Borderlines Film Festival saw a chunk of the festival population migrate east to the small town of Ledbury where Francine Stock interviewed her at the quaint Market Theatre.
It was an old and grey audience, in fact Jo was probably younger than most. But the comedian did not hold back and despite the desert island film formula carrying the evening Jo discussed racism, politics, and language and then questioned her own sensibility in discussing her left political leanings, suggesting most of the audience looked like they were from the Ku Klux Klan..... her sails were not down as she proceeded with another anecdote involving a 'cunt' of a manager. But Ledbury's lot lapped it up, there was constant chuckling the occasional impulsive clap and a general warm reception. She certainly commanded the audiences' devoted attention which was down to more than middle class manners.

Among her desert island films were Twin Town, To Kill a Mocking Bird and Riff Raff. There was a strong British representation including Bill Douglas and Ken Loach.

Otherwise at headquarters Courtyard the big guns are staking or breaking claims for the audience award. The 1st sold out serving of Black Swan had positive reviews, but there was a contingent of unhappy oldies who did not get the Hansel and Gretel ballet film they craved. With almost 1000 tickets sold Black Swan has reeled in Hereford's film audience by a margin. Released at a similar date at the turn of the year, 127 hours had a fairly equal footing during the heady weeks of awards season hysteria but lacked the knockout punch (like Natalie Portman's performance) that would have secured an Oscar and an increased box office. The surprise seller from this man's shoes has been My Afternoons with Margueritte, but targeted at the right audience a film like this, (and  Mike Leigh's Another Year), clearly has genuine Borderliners approval.

As there was little to choose between Black Swan and 127 Hours, children's film Megamind has been making a solid claim through the audience feedback. Could Megamind possibly win the audience award, and will the King's Speech be screened in Hereford for the 200th time. We pray and hope for different things.


Luke Owen

Sunday 27 March 2011

Sunday afternoon with Chico and Rita

Back at the Courtyard - this time to see Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal's film Chico And Rita which proved to be the perfect way to spend a grey Sunday afternoon.  As the notes put it  "It's a film full of music and love and sensuality and colour", but I wasn't prepared for the amazing quality of the hand drawn animation with all the stunning period details.   The music alone would have made this film worth a visit - echoes of the Buena Vista Social Club resound throughout.
As a hopeless romantic I had tears in my eyes as I left the theatre.  Another audience member noticed my tears and said that she thought I should see My afternoons with Margueritte as I would be sure to cry by the end!
Posted by WriteRetreat
Photographs:
Rural signpost to Borderlines Venue
Another lunchtime, another band
Film buffs of all ages

Saturday 26 March 2011

.... STRAIGHT OUT OF THE WOODSHED

Despite what programmes, timetables and speakers said the 9th Borderlines Film Festival kicked off at precisely 11 minutes past 7 last night, Friday March 25 2011.

Thanks to Leominster's band of batty morris dancers the Courtyard became a load spectacle that broke all the rules. Blacked up Morris dancers and smashing sticks, boots and bells were not on the agenda for Friday evening's foyet, but according to all main house attendees, Chico and Rita's love in was not disrupted.

Programme notes indicated Rural Media's Same but Different took opening bill, but for most on the ground floor and in the foyet of the Courtyard, the building of a second world war bomb shelter stole the thunder. Film wise Peter Mullan's NEDS took the main house afternoon slot with an anticipated low audience. Knife violence, alcoholism, vindictive teachers and corporal punishment turned most off but the main marketed image of a half naked, pale, pasty and tubby Scottish lad with kitchen knives taped to his hands guaranteed a low turn out.... So I stretched out in the theatre, basking in the darkness safe in the knowledge that my extended legs and DM boots would not bother a soul and chattering commentator-esque old folk, mobile phones and children would not rile my irritable self.
NEDS was an extremely well made film and overall a memorable and disturbing experience. Peter Mullan continues the British trade of cinematic total grimness but he did not veer into abstract or overly stylised territory with plot becoming secondary to aesthetic. An extended narrative that covered several years of adolescent John Mcgill's life and downfall was the focus of the film with his alcoholic father, Catholicism and gangs among some of the other issues explored. Ultimately this was a raw account of life in Glasgow during the 70s.......

...One hour later I'd forgotten about kitchen knives, killing fathers and blue Harrington jackets (see NEDS).  The Borderlines buzz was in full swing. Peering towards the box office I saw several old boys with shoulder length gray hair, receiving tickets. These guys were not your typical Borderliners. Their t-shirts said it all. 'MOTT' rang load in capitals.

It was catching.... I even caught mutterings from the Morrisers as whispers reverberated about the presence of rock 'n' rollers MOTT THE HOOPLE.... but Leominster's finest still had a show to do and got on with it they did.

As the aroma of the Courtyard's Indian Friday chicken tika started spreading the bells got jangling and the Morris tassels came out. Soon the William Morris, curtain pattern, floral jackets were off, the sticks were smashing and the grizzly men were buzzing. ''We've come out of the woodshed'' the lead Morris shouted and pointed at Emily Price's world war shack, galvanised in black and turquoise rust, humming with her film depicting the men we were watching.

This was a remarkable evening.... 2 hours later as many as 7 individuals got on stage representing various eras of Mott the Hoople following the screening of their film, The Ballad of MTH... The audience tittered, clapped and rejoiced in seeing their heroes in person, together in Hereford. For me, band manager Stan Tippins was the highlight. His love of football transpired through his interviews as different analogies using strikers, central defenders, mid table and european spots conveyed his thoughts about life with the band. Despite my ambivalent feelings towards the film the moment Stan's comment cut to a shot of Ronnie Radford's equalising net breaker (1972 Newcastle United, FA Cup 3rd Round) was a moment of beauty......

and I support Liverpool.

A thank you to Stan for getting the band together for last night and being a tremendously friendly guy. If Borderlines continues such moments.... we're in for a cracking fortnight.

Posted by Luke Owen

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Borderlines begins

i'm borderline crazy for Borderlines FilmFest

The Courtyard bar was full to bursting with music fans and Borderliners.  Every table occupied and queues for food and drinks.  A contented hum of conversation not drowning out the musicians nor being drowned out by them.  

My first event was a 19 minute film Just War directed by Joe Jenkins.   He traced the concept of a "Just War" and the many attempts at defining it, back to St Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas.    Images from paintings to newsreel footage were used as illustrations and to reinforce the arguments.  Joe Jenkins commented that these made a much greater impact on the big screen than on his small computer. 

After the film there was a discussion.  The various conflicts in which Britain is now involved were talked about in the context of a "Just War" as well as comments about the sophisticated weaponry being brought to bear.  Anne Burge spoke of the way in which the use of long distance but frighteningly accurate weapons "separate the act from its consequences".   Another audience member, Barbara, felt that the Christian Church should play a stronger role in suggesting alternatives to war.

Photographs:
Music and laughter in the Courtyard Bar
Joe Jenkins, Director of Just War
Relaxing in the Courtyard Bar

 

Friday 25 March 2011

I'm borderline crazy for Borderlines FilmFest

I am still trying to fit pieces into the jigsaw. Which are the films I want to see, when, where and with whom? Some films are being shown on several different dates - others only once. Several films can only be seen in a remote village hall fully an hour's drive away. Friends are available either only at the weekend or just during the week... Some friends prefer a daytime cinema visit while others only go out in the evening. Most differ from me in taste and ideas... How to get organised and make my bookings?

I have a conversation with a friend who is stewarding several of the films I wish to see. Maybe we can meet for a drink afterwards? She has a tight schedule; two films in a row with barely five minutes between them. Let's get in touch nearer the time.
I am still buzzing with anticipation. Maybe I will buy a Courtyard Festival Pass tomorrow and just please myself!

What is the point of a Film Festival?


I had to go on the radio to talk about Borderlines Film Festival earlier in the week and was landed one of those curveballs that interviewers like to deliver just to keep you on your toes, "What is the point of it all?"

I managed to reply adequately but it did get me thinking.

Enjoyment, certainly. The Festival offers abundance of choice in a part of the country where cinema is scarce. That's one of the reasons it was set up in the first place. We're showing around 80 films alongside live events, talks, performances, workshops, 226 separate screenings or events in total. And I know that's a lot because over the last few months I've had to list and process information for them in various ways.

It's also intensely social, it brings people together, even though Borderlines is unusual in being spread out over a huge area in many and varied locations from steel and glass arts centres to restored Victorian Town Halls, the back rooms of pubs and a church with no less than three Norman arches. There's a buzz, you're there, you're part of something, food and drink come into the picture.

But it's also an opportunity to try something different. Borderlines is a Film Festival not for the industry - it's not trying to sell films for distribution -  but for the audience. It's also curated; films have been specially selected with a specific set or sets of cinema-goers in mind. This is actually quite unusual these days outside specialised film festivals. After nine years, people who come to Borderlines know what sort of films they will get, they don't know the specifics but by now they trust they will get something interesting or stimulating even if it's a little bit different.

And that should be an incentive to people who've never tried it to take the plunge: you might like it.

Thursday 24 March 2011

I'm borderline crazy for Borderlines FilmFest

Sharpening my mind, my pencils and my wits for the start of the Film Festival tomorrow. Charging up my energy, my laptop and my mobile to stay in contact. Preparing to get as much as possible from this feast of cinema - out in the village halls as well as at the Courtyard.

Once a year film fans are offered the chance to emerge, hesitatingly, from their rural hiding places, to find that they are not alone.