Well last night saw the launch of the 36th annual Cambridge Film Festival here in this beautiful city of ours and it was quite the evening!
Every year the festival provides a diverse, top quality film programme with something for everyone; from UK premieres of must-see anticipated features, to classic retrospectives, insightful documentaries, discovery titles from around the world, family favourites, plus late night, boundary-pushing cult movies. This year is no different with a total of 148 films being screened over 8 days.
Last night’s opening screening was the heart wrenching look at the British benefits system “I, Daniel Blake” directed by national treasure Ken Loach. It was introduced by renowned stand-up comedian and, incidentally, the film’s star Dave Johns to rapturous applause and rightly so. We were also priveleged to have a Q&A session afterwards too which gave great insight into the filmmaking process and the importance of the messages that the film sets out to convey. We will be posting reviews and write ups of as many of the films as we can over the next week or so and of course we welcome all of you to comment or let us know all about your experiences with the festival too.
Here are just some of the things you have to look forward to over the following 7 days.
There is Keneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” starring Casey Affleck as a reclusive handyman who returns to his hometown following the death of his brother. Independent film legend Jim Jarmusch’s return to the screen “Paterson” which is a lo-fi, working class gem about a New Jersey bus driver who has the soul of a poet. There is also the latest effort from cinema veteran Clint Eastwood called “Sully” about the amazing pilot who managed to land a crippled US Airways plane on the Hudson River and saved the lives of all of the passengers aboard. For full listings of what’s on then click through here and have a browse.
We mustn’t forget to mention the Family Film Festival either! With double features from Wallace & Gromit to new releases like The BFG to old classics such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring the one and only Gene Wilder. There really is something here for the entire family!
If you are out and about amongst the fun, then be sure to tag us in on Facebook or Twitter @studio24 or over on Instagram @studio24_digital and don’t forget to use that hashtag #CamFF to be a part of the conversation.