3 minute read
Brainwashed: SexCamera-Power
INFO: Wed 1 Mar / Light House 2 / 16:00 / 105 mins
DIRECTOR: Nina Menkes
WRITER: Nina Menkes
CAST: Rhiannon Aarons, Kathleen Antonia, Rosanna Arquette
COUNTRY: USA
Documentary filmmaker Nina Menkes examines a fascinating topic - that of the male gaze in cinema - in her latest feature. Examining the work of filmmakers from the late 1800s to the present day, she challenges that sexist shot design contributes to an environment of sexual harassment and assault, as well as employment discrimination towards women in the screen and other industries. Screen International described the film as: “A real no-bullshit breath of fresh air. With a torch”.
In the 1950s, at the height of the Algerian Liberation War against France, the President of former Yugoslavia, Josip Tito, sent his favourite cameraman Stevan Labudović to document the war by embedding with Algeria's National Liberation Army. Serbian filmmaker Mila Turajlić’s extraordinary documentary reexamines Labudović's work and legacy, using his footage and diaries to highlight the differences in how France and Algeria portrayed the war. The results are a stark portrayal of propaganda and colonialism.
Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy
INFO: Thurs 2 Mar / Light House 1 / 13:00 / 101 min
DIRECTOR: Nancy Buirski
WRITER: Nancy Buirski
CAST: Bob Balaban, Edmund White, Jon Voight
COUNTRY: USA
The March on Rome
INFO: Fri 24 Feb / Light House 2 / 20:40 / 98 mins
DIRECTOR: Mark Cousins
WRITER: Mark Cousins & Tony Saccucci
CAST: Alba Rohrwacher
COUNTRY: Italy
Documentarian Nancy Buirski delves into the 1969 beloved classic Midnight Cowboy, directed by John Schlesinger and starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. As their trailblazing exploration of male friendship marks a definitive shift in Hollywood filmmaking, Buirski examines the transition, what allowed it to happen, and why the unconventional film has had such a lasting impact. Featuring contributions from many involved, this is a deep dive into the magic of movie-making, a must for cinephiles and fans.
The rise of fascism in Italy and its unprecedented fallout across Europe in the 1930s is the subject matter of Mark Cousins’ latest documentary. In part an essay film, in part a historical account of extraordinary times, the film uses rich detail in examining Benito Mussolini’s march on the Italian capital 100 years ago. It does so through a lens of the contemporary political climate, reminding us of the real dangers of history repeating itself.
My Imaginary Country
INFO: Fri 3 Mar / Light House 2 / 18:30 / 83 mins
DIRECTOR: Patricio Guzmán
WRITER: Patricio Guzmán
COUNTRY: Chile
It was an uprising that 80-year-old documentarian Patricio Guzmán had been waiting for his entire life. When a million and a half people took to the streets of Chile’s capital seeking justice under Pinochet’s oppressive regime, he felt a sense of hope. Guzmán’s intimate and very personal documentary recounts his own history of demanding a better way of life. Using powerful imagery, footage and photography, it is a testament to the power of protest. Suitable for 12 years or over.
Sunday Times
Ann
INFO: Sun 26 Feb / Light House 1 / 17:40 / 98 mins
DIRECTOR: Ciaran Creagh
WRITER: Ciaran Creagh
CAST: Eileen Walsh, Ian Beattie, Zara Devlin
COUNTRY: Ireland
Barber
INFO: Sun 26 Feb / Light House 1 / 20:30 / 102 mins
DIRECTOR: Fintan Connolly
WRITER: Fintan Connolly & Fiona Bergin
CAST: Aidan Gillen, Gary Lydon, Aisling Kearns
COUNTRY: Ireland
Based on the true story that shocked Ireland and the world, Ciaran Creagh’s drama is set over the course of one day in 15-year-old Ann Lovett’s life. It’s 1984, and realising that she is about to give birth, the teenager (Zara Devlin) goes to the grotto of her local church. Frightened and alone, Creagh’s film shines a light on the tragedy of a young woman whose story invoked impassioned calls for change.
*DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE
Private investigator Val Barber is hired by a wealthy widow to track down her missing granddaughter in director Fintan Connolly’s Dublin-set drama. His initial investigations unlock key secrets about the disappearance, putting him firmly on the radar of some powerful and shady people. Has he taken on more than he could have ever envisaged? Connolly has assembled an impressive cast including Aidan Gillen, Gary Lydon and Aisling Kearns for the film, told in the film noir style.