Foyle Film Festival’s Summer Programme Is Coming In Hot
Date Posted: June 5, 2018
We know the great weather won’t last forever, but thankfully Foyle Film Festival’s Summer Programme is here for the long haul with a scorching new season of cinema stretching from June 11 right through to September 27.
There’s a monumental offering over the months ahead, with something to dazzle movie-goers of every description, and enough for the kids beyond the big screen to ensure there’s never a dull day.
The programme kicks off on the catwalk, with the ‘staggering visual feast’ of McQueen on Monday June 11 at Brunswick Moviebowl. A thrilling portrait of fearless fashion designer Alexander McQueen, the film celebrates the radical yet tortured artist’s life through exquisite visuals, archive footage and exclusive interviews with family and friends.
There’s more revolutionary style on show in Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist, as well as the Oscar-winning Phantom Thread, reuniting Daniel Day-Lewis with director Paul Thomas Anderson for what is thought to be his final on screen performance, as a renowned fashion designer in 1950’s post-war London.
With the dust settled on another awards season, this year’s biggest winners are back for a victory lap offering a second chance to see films like The Shape of Water, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Darkest Hour – worth watching again for Gary Oldman’s sensational portrayal of Winston Churchill.
That’s not to forget the nominees that narrowly missed out on the industry’s top honors. Saoirse Ronan received her third Oscar nod for comedy-drama Lady Bird, while The Post sees the dream team of Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep unite for an exhilarating drama about a defining moment for the American news media.
To celebrate 250 years since the birth of circus, audiences are invited to step right up and be amazed by a series of screenings presented in partnership with In Your Space Circus. Sing along with the spectacle that is The Greatest Showman, have your eyes opened to shocking realities by Even When I Fall and go on a road trip with The Pitts Family Circus in the midst of the Carnival of Colours at St Columb’s Park.
As part of the equally colourful Foyle Pride Festival there will also be a special LGBT-focused strand of the programme, including the ‘eerily beautiful’ God’s Own Country, multi award-winning drama The Wound, and A Fantastic Woman, Best Foreign Language film at this year’s Oscars.
The Spirit of ‘68 will be felt 50 years on with anniversary screenings of If starring Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Jean-Luc Godard’s Sympathy for the Devil featuring The Rolling Stones, and 2001: A Space Odyssey accompanied by a Q&A with original star of the film Keir Dullea.
The late ‘60s counter-culture continues with a unique opportunity to experience both Easy Rider, ‘one of the most important pictures of the decade’, and iconic music documentary Woodstock in the appropriate setting of this year’s Stendhal Festival on August 10 and 11.
Fast-forward to 1972 and immerse yourself in the eccentric world of the Beales, a reclusive mother-daughter duo brought to the world’s attention in Grey Gardens. Named as one of the top 50 cult movies of all time, the wealth of fascinating footage led to two follow-up films including last year’s ‘long lost prequel’ That Summer. See all three for the price of two from July 23 to 25.
Family remains at the heart of Foyle Film Festival, with Early Man, Coco and Peter Rabbit amongst the beautifully animated features appearing across July and August. Newer parents don’t have to stay at home either, with baby-friendly screenings of both children’s and more mature films to break up the day in a relaxed environment.
Meanwhile Special Screens offer a cinema experience suitable for those living with special needs, such as dementia, physical and mental challenges, their families and carers. Audiences are free to move around or sing-along to classics like The Wizard of Oz and An American in Paris, and can enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits before the opening credits roll.
Speaking of tea and coffee, early risers can wake up with a Cinematic Breakfast of ‘50s favourite Roman Holiday and early George Lucas film American Graffiti, complete with complimentary tea, coffee and croissants to ensure you start your day the right way.
With the powerful portrait exhibition Colin Davidson – Silent Testimony taking residence at the Nerve Visual Gallery in Ebrington from June 23 – September 16, there will be a talk by the internationally renowned artist, gallery tours and a screening of Hear My Voice. Directed by Brendan J Byrne, the film is inspired by the exhibition revealing the stories of 18 people connected by experiences of loss through the Troubles.
Beyond the big screen, kids aged 8-12 will have plenty to keep themselves busy once school’s out for summer, with a host of fun, interactive workshops bringing movie magic to life through Minecraft, animation and more. Places are limited so early booking is advised.
Foyle Film Festival’s Summer Cinema Programme is funded by the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland Screen and Derry City and Strabane District Council. For full programme details and booking visit the website here or contact the Nerve Centre on 028 7126 0562.
