‘Reel’ Representation in Foyle Film Festival’s 2019 Intercultural & Anti-Racism Programme 2019
Date Posted: March 1, 2019
A curated selection of films from across the world highlighting diversity and equality will screen in Derry~Londonderry this month as part of the Foyle Film Festival’s Intercultural & Anti-Racism programme.
Running from Friday 15 March to Sunday 24 March in Nerve Centre and Brunswick Moviebowl, the annual programme offers both schools and the general public an opportunity to explore issues such as racism, homophobia, sexism and discrimination through the medium of film.
Foyle Film Festival’s Intercultural & Anti-Racism Programme is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen and venue partner is Brunswick Moviebowl.
Highlights for primary school students include screenings of classic Disney® films such as Up! and The Princess & the Frog. Also screening is the Oscar® nominated film Mary Poppins Returns, which sees the formidable nanny return to the grief stricken Banks family to help save the day.
Post-primary screenings include the Oscar® nominated features Green Book and First Man, the former of which tells the important true story of the unlikely friendship that developed between a black concert pianist and the New York bouncer hired to chauffeur him through the unfriendly territory of the Jim Crow American South.
A special screening of Anne Frank Remembered marks the 90th anniversary of Anne Frank’s birth. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh and Glenn Close, the film features vintage newsreels, photographs and even a rare home movie to look beyond the pages of Anne’s diary. In surprising, often emotional interviews with Anne’s family, friends and her protector Miep Gies, Anne’s life serves once more as an unforgettable symbol of and tribute to the many lives lost in the Holocaust.
A full programme of evening screenings, open to the public, will run throughout the two weeks. The films tackle difficult themes, including child trafficking, institutional racism and extreme poverty.
Director Alan Gilsenan will present his groundbreaking drama, The Meeting, in Brunswick Moviebowl on Friday 29 March. Based on the true story of Ailbhe Griffith and the real life meeting between her and the man who, nine years earlier, subjected her to a horrific sexual assault. Ailbhe plays herself in the film and will take part in a post-screening discussion with Dr. Marie Keenan, a restorative justice practitioner.
Activist Jacqueline Walker and director Jon Pullman will be in attendance on Friday 15 March at a screening of WitchHunt, a documentary exploring anti-semitism in the Labour party.
Speaking about the programme, Bernie McLaughlin, Foyle Film Festival Director and Programme said: “Now in its 14th year, the Intercultural and Anti-Racism programme aims to broaden young people’s cultural awareness while also providing a platform for stories that promote tolerance and inclusion. We’ve brought together a wide-ranging programme of thought-provoking films and documentaries from around the world that will encourage some interesting conversations.”
Also screening are critically acclaimed features Love Sonia, BlacKKKlansman, Ray & Liz, The Wife and Border (Gräns).
Once again special screenings for those living with physical and mental challenges as well as parents and babies feature in the programme and include; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! and A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Films are screened in a more relaxed atmosphere, with low lighting, and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served
