Here’s our roundup of what’s to come in the coming weeks:
Made in Britain: Jeremy Thomas
The third instalment of BFI Southbank’s popular Made in Britain series focuses on Jeremy Thomas’ diverse cinematography and premier collaborative efforts with various directors, including Bernardo Bertolucci. The festival includes the nine Oscar winning film, The Last Emperor (which has been specially adapted to 3D), and the thought-provoking World War II story, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.
Birds Eye View Film Festival: Celebrating Women Filmmakers
This inspiring and soulful series celebrates the passion and talent of global female directors. Highlights include The International Shorts Programme, headed by Anahita Ghazvinizadeh’s Cannes Laureate-winning Needle, as well as the UK premiere of the inspirational In Bloom. This is due to be followed by a Q&A session with director Nana Ekvtimishvili.
Studio Ghibli
A celebration of Hayao Miyazaki, creative director of Japanese Studio Ghibli, guides audiences through spectacular dreamscapes that explore the nature of human existence and philosophical themes with a charming combination of maturity and youthful enthusiasm. The BFI Southbank will feature Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Spirited Away, as well as a preview of The Wind Rises – Hayao Miyazaki’s final film as creative head.
Mark Cousins Presents: The Cinema of Childhood
Headlining this feature is an original documentary produced by Mark Cousins, A Story of Children and Film. Cousins adeptly translates children’s perspectives into a tangible realm of observation, emotion, and understanding, and takes you back to your childhood with screenings of lesser-known classics like The Little Girl who Sold the Sun and Willow and Weed.
This is Now: Film and Video After Punk
Exploring the revolutionary effects of independent film-making in the 80’s, Film and Video After Punk showcases an eclectic range of pieces that have largely been out of circulation for almost 30 years. Shot using old-school media like Super8 and 16mm, this series demonstrates how the novel technology birthed a new era of directors and redefined notions of identity in an age of change and uncertainty.
Broadcasting the Arts: Opera on TV
Discover how the televised broadcasting of Opera has popularised this revered art form. Powerful screenings of Handel’s Julius Caesar and The Tragedy of Carmen foster a renewed sense of actor-audience intimacy.
April is the perfect month in which to tap into the BFI’s diverse collection of archival, contemporary, and independent films. Tickets are often hard to come by, but American Express credit card holders can get preferred access courtesy of its innovative Invites scheme. Click here to find out more about Amex credit cards and their associated benefits.
In association with Sarah Taylor