Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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OXFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WELCOME TO THE OXFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016. The city of Oxford is the perfect place to vibrantly showcase excellent independent films from the shadows of world cinema. The city’s rich intelligence and elegance offers the best possible back drop to shine a positive light on the work of talented filmmakers from the UK and abroad. Our aim is to create a sister festival to the successful Manchester film festival (MANIFF) here in Oxford that will offer a more personal and boutique feel to both filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts. The inaugural selection has so much to offer with the theme of dark and satirical comedy running strongly through the programme of eclectic, entertaining and thought provoking films. Our COEN brother’s inspired theme premieres films such as ROAD DUSTER, FOR ALL YOUR EYES ONLY and PAYBACK. This offbeat humour contrasts brilliantly alongside the likes of ‘coming of age’ IS THIS THE REAL WORLD, ‘boy meets girl in academia’ THE PAPER STORE, ‘hitman thriller’ SICARIVS and ‘the epic’ THE ROAD TO THE SKY. With a shorts line up jammed packed with new and exciting films that include David Fincher’s championed BRICKS and a documentary line up headed by the Eric Clapton and Herbie Hancock starring NATHAN EAST, it really is a selection of diverse stories for all tastes. With all these international offerings it is great that the festival is opening with a local feel by welcoming Oxford filmmaker TORI BUTLER HART, husband MATTHEW BUTLER HART and their award winning film TWO DOWN. The importance of championing domestic talent like this, and feature titles such as MADE IN TAIWAN, KICKING OFF and the many exceptional UK SHORTS, is paramount for UK festivals on the international stage and this is something, as an organisation, we will strive to do in the many years to come. From first time filmmakers to household industry names, such as Sir Derek Jacobi, Stephen Fry, and Bryan Singer, it’s going to be an exceptional weekend here in picturesque Oxford. On behalf of Co – Director Neil Jeram Croft and myself, I’d like to say a big thank you to all the filmmakers, staff, sponsors, jury, David Williams and his superb team here at our partner venue THE PHOENIX PICTURE HOUSE – who have all come together to make this year’s event possible. From all the festival’s fantastic contributors, we wish you an enjoyable OXIFF 2016. Al Bailey Programming Director OXIFF2016
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Oxford International Film Festival 2016
OXFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS
THE AWARDS
Tickets for the festival are all available to book through www.oxiff.com as well as through the Phoenix Picturehouse website.
Best Feature Best UK Film Best International Film Best international Short Best UK Short Best Documentary Feature Best Documentary Short Best Experimental Best Student Film Best Animation
As well as being able to buy individual tickets for all the screenings at the festival we also have a range of passes available including a SATURDAY PASS, SUNDAY PASS, WEEKEND PASS and a
MULTI-TICKET PASS. For full information and pricing got to www.oxiff.com/tickets Oxford International Film Festival 2016 will host its red carpet closing awards ceremony on Sunday 29th May, where our selected jury of industry professionals will hand out the exclusive Spire Awards to the best in competition films of the festival.
Best Music Video Best Production Best Screenplay Best Cinematography Best Edit Best Score Best Director Best Actor Best Actress Staff Choice Film of the Festival- ‘Spire of Dreams award’
AUDIENCE AWARD After you have attended a screening at the festival you will be able to rate the film using the online form which can be found at www.oxiff.com/audience
SESSION 1A - Friday 27th May at 6:00pm
UK PREMIERE
UK PREMIERE
ONLY CHILD
THE DEAL
FLY SPY
Andrew Toovey | UK | 17 mins Eva lives as an outsider within the gypsy community, stranded between the sporadic affections of her workaholic husband Yuri, and the lustful intent of gypsy leader, Davro.
Daniel Kaminsky | USA | 16 mins Bryce, is trying desperately to hold onto his girlfriend Monica. High school seems like a lifetime ago as the host of the party invites his old school acquaintances’ to a night they will never forget.
Daniel M Smith | UK | 21 mins A young, genius deviant has made a wirelessly controlled robot drone in the form of a fly, with a camera in its head. He is controlling the invention with the intention of spying on his unsuspecting exgirlfriend.
ALBERT
WORLD PREMIERE
Miranda Howard-Williams | UK | 11 mins A story about the innocence of childhood and a fear of the unknown, as a girl and her imaginary friend play on the beach under the watchful eye of her parents, Jason Flemyng (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and Jo Joyner (Eastenders).
THE DUKE
UK PREMIERE
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
Max Barbakow | USA | 23mins | Student Film Side-lined by concussions, ex-NFL linebacker J.P. “The Duke” Duke denies the magnitude of his injuries while clinging to gridiron glory. But when J.P.’s pregnant wife, Aubrey, hosts a Super Bowl bash, he faces the realities of life on the side-lines. 3
SESSION 1B - Friday 27th May at 9:00pm
TWO DOWN
MANIFF AWARD WINNER Matthew Butler Hart | UK | 88minutes | English Written by: Matthew Butler Hart, Tori Butler Hart Produced by: Matthew Butler Hart, Tori Butler Hart, Stephen Fry, Sir Derek Jacobi Starring: Alex Hassell (Anonymous), Conleth Hill (Game of thrones), Tori Hart (Keeping Rosie), Gray Butler (Penny Dreadful) Executive Producers Stephen Fry and Sir Derek Jacobi present , TWO DOWN the second feature from Fizz and Ginger Films, whom Screen International (UK) picked as their ‘Stars of Tomorrow’. Injured hitman Mr Thomas (Alex Hassell) holds a young woman hostage in her own home. Over a Chinese takeaway the depleting Mr Thomas and his increasing number of captives uncover a web of deceit that will lead them to the true reason behind their collective predicament. Go see this if you liked THE ANDERSON TAPES
EUROPEAN PREMIERE
WALLS Min Reid | UK | 5 mins | Music Video
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Inspired by the loss of his father, JR Richards (original frontman Singer/Songwriter for the #1 American Alternative Rock band ‘Dishwalla’) wrote WALLS drawing from life’s lessons and memories of conversations with his dad. Director Min Reid saw the music video evolve from inner turmoil and frustration to a lighter place of being, but kept the film edgy and pensive throughout. Min recognized the huge talent of young aspiring German Director of Photography, Marco Schott, whom did an outstanding job of capturing the feel and creating an emotive dark edge.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 2 - SATURDAY 28TH MAY AT 10:15AM
PAYBACK
UK PREMIERE Andre Moraes | Brazil | 77minutes | Subtitles Written by: André Moraes , L.G. Bayão Produced by: James D’Arcy, Leonardo Edde, Adriana Konig, André Moraes, Laise Nascimento, José Carlos Oliveira Starring: Júlio Andrade (Paulo Coelho’s Best Story), Deborah Secco (América), Lúcio Mauro Filho (O Coronel e o Lobisomem) A film director uses his old team to make a “road movie”. With no money, they will have to come up with unthinkable scams in order to make the production possible, while at the same time plotting revenge against all those who are against them. Go see this if you liked GET SHORTY
UK PREMIERE
TRASHED AFTER DEATH
DOMINIO
Martin Ponferrada | Australia/ Patricio Soto-Aguilar | Chile | Philippines | 17mins | Documentary 6 mins | Experimental Filmmaker Martin Ponferrada A research on the potential travels to the remote provinces of sports as a choreographic of typhoon-ravaged Philippines narrative, which builds through a to investigate a long-held family race that unveils those moments mystery. that we miss in the rush of
MUSCLE MEMORY Ruoyu Wang | USA | 3 mins Animation | Student film A grudging competition between two body builders, Frank and Finch.
competition, displaying the body and its ability to modify itself and keep up in demanding conditions. Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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SESSION 3 - Saturday 28th may at 12:30pm
SICARIVS - THE NIGHT AND THE SILENCE
UK PREMIERE Javier Muñoz | Spain | 93minutes | Subtitles Written by: Javier Muñoz Produced by: Jose A Sanchez, Sergio Bartolome, Blanca Saiz, Cesar Ibanez Chiarcos Starring: Victor Clavijo (Al salir de clase), Israel Elejalde (Love in Difficult Times), Sebastián Haro (Pan’s Labyrinth) A hitman is asked to kill a woman who he can’t bring himself to assassinate. His reluctance places himself in danger and he must race against time to save his own life and that of the initial target. Go see this if you liked KILLING THEM SOFTLY
THE LAST DAY
PASSING ORION
Muqing Shu | China | 6 mins | Animation
Sean Thonson | Canada | 7 mins | Documentary
What would a grandpa’s spirit do if he could linger The story of Boyd Stevens, one of the last remaining inhabitants of Orion Alberta - a town with a present for a while before heading to heaven? day population of seven.
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Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 4 - SATURDAY 28TH MAY AT 2:50PM
THE PAPER STORE
MANIFF AWARD WINNER Nicholas Gray | USA | 99minutes | English Written by: Katharine Clark Gray, Nicholas Gray Produced by: Jonathan Gray, Bonnie Timmermann, John Grossman, Nicholas Gray, Katharine Clark Gray Starring: Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games), Penn Badgley (Margin Call, Greetings From Tim Buckley, Gossip Girl), Richard Kind (Argo, A Serious Man, Inside Out). A revenge tale about a former college student who forges essays for cash, the client who becomes her lover, and the professor who discovers their scheme. Go see this if you liked 500 DAYS OF SUMMER
BIRTHDAY
UK PREMIERE
The OXIFF Logo is designed by Michael Tompsett. High quality prints of the Oxford Skyline and many other contemporary designs can be ordered at www.artpause.com
Chris King | USA | 12 mins When a young military wife gets news that her Marine husband has been severely wounded in combat, she discovers that life ahead for them is going to be a difficult and yet amazing journey.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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SESSION 5 - Saturday 28th May at 5:10pm
MADE IN TAIWAN
MANIFF AWARD WINNER Jonny Moore and Leonora Lim-Moore | UK | 77minutes | English Written by: Jonny Moore, Leonora Lim- Moore Produced by: David John, Sharina Lim, Leonora Lim-Moore, Jonny Moore Starring: Alexander Jeremy (Menagerie) and Esther Yang (Bitter Sweet, Guess Guess Guess). Under the elusive name ‘Made in Taiwan’, experimental film maker Jack invents an exciting type of film, which induces a high in the viewer and becomes an underground phenomenon throughout Taipei. As the high becomes an addiction, what are the side effects for the creator and his following society? Go see this if you liked BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO
UK PREMIERE
UK PREMIERE
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DEMOCRACY IN THE DRIVERS SEAT
OUT OF THE VILLAGE
DROWNING
Jonathan Stein | USA | 16 mins
Gail Gilbert | USA | 8 mins Strangers on a bus rally behind a fellow passenger as she urges the driver to catch up to a bus in front of them.
Shot in West Africa with a local cast and crew, OUT OF THE VILLAGE explores the social and cultural impact of the Ebola epidemic from the perspective of an orphaned brother and his sister. It stars Abraham Attah (Beasts of No Nation) and is Executive Produced by Bryan Singer (X-Men).
Daniel Schlichter | Germany/ Netherlands | 5 mins | Music Video | Student film 16mm Fragments of a relationship long gone in the mind of a protagonist deep under water, drowning.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 6 - SATURDAY 28TH MAY AT 7:30PM
ROAD DUSTER
UK PREMIERE Erik de Bruyn | Netherlands | 107minutes | Subtitles Written by: Jan Eilander, P.F. Thomése (novel) Produced by: Thomas den Drijver, Eurydice Gysel, Koen Mortier, Sander Verdonk, Denis Wigman Starring: Fedja van Huêt (Character), Frank Lammers (Bullhead), Ruben van der Meer (Plan C) Writer Frans and his favorite character J.Kessels go to the Hamburg Reeperbahn to return a philandering crook to his wife and to finally fulfill Frans’ pre-masturbatory dreams. Go see this if you liked SOMETHING WILD
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
ELEVEN
THE SLOW SHOW - AUGUSTINE
Ken Fox | USA | 5 mins
Paul Booth | UK | 3 mins | Music Video An astronaut struggles to explain to his 5 year old The official video for the single, Augustine, captures daughter why he must go, and why she cannot come the band during moments on tour in Summer 2015 with him. from a series of shows Switzerland, Germany and the UK.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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SESSION 7 - Saturday 28th May at 10pm
FOR ALL EYES ALWAYS
UK PREMIERE Rob Gordon Bralver | USA/France | 100minutes | English Written by: Rob Gordan Bralver Produced by: Amy Child Starring: Sean Astin (The Goonies), Saïd Taghmaoui (La Haine), Joe Hursley (Fast and Furious), Joseph Gatt (True Detective), Lynn Whitfield (Stepmom) To win back the confidence of the American public, the CIA creates a fully transparent reality show that goes undercover with operatives around the globe. Go see this if you liked CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND
WORLD PREMIERE
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WRITING ON STONE
LEGACY
Sean Thonson | Canada | 7 mins A portrait of Treffrey Deerfoot a venerated elder in the Siksika Tribe in Alberta, Canada, and his efforts through ceremonial dance, sacred singing, and traditional storytelling to keep this proud heritage alive for his people today.
Josh Mawer | Australia | 13 mins | Student Film To save his father’s brilliant mind a young man is coerced into time sharing his consciousness. With two minds in one body, boundaries and relationships start to blur.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 8 - SUNDAY 29TH MAY AT 10:15AM
ROAD TO THE SKY UK PREMIERE
UK PREMIERE Yi Wang | China | 99minutes | Subtitles Written by: Dedong Li Produced by: Qin He, Lucas Oliver-Frost Starring: Johnny Kou Key (The Crossing), Bo-Chieh WangKey (Life of Pi), Xiaoxiao LiuKey (The Falling Feather) In 1930’s China, an engineering student from Beijing, is sent by the Central Government to the rustic world of southwest China to obtain the cooperation of rival tribal villagers to build a new supply road vital for the countries survival during the Chinese and Japanese conflict. Go see this if you liked WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW
WORLD PREMIERE
EVERY MORNING
THE MUNTAS
Ross Harrison | UK | 7 mins | Experimental Nick Forshaw | UK | 3 mins | Animation A documentary collage about one man’s memories A satirical comedy of uncomfortably modern and of the English countryside. Each day, Geoff Harris unconventional marital living. walks the same path around a patch of woodland in Oxfordshire. As he does, he reminisces about growing up in the place where he has lived for almost 80 years. Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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SESSION 9 - Sunday 29th May at 12:45pm
ART CONNECT
UK PREMIERE Miquel Galofre | Trinidad and Todago | 73minutes | English Producers: Charlotte Elias, Lorraine O Connor ART CONNECT reveals and illuminates how creativity has inspired and changed the lives of ‘at risk’ kids, aged twelve to sixteen, living in the disenfranchised and volatile area of Laventille -- Port of Spain, Trinidad. Go see this if you liked CHILDREN FULL OF LIFE
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
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MUCK
MY LUCHADOR
OPT OUT
Sonya Quayle | UK | 15 mins Billy is autistic and it’s the 1950s. While Billy can help with manual jobs in and around his family’s farm, he requires regular attention. His father feels the time has come for Billy to move on. His mother is aghast and Billy grows anxious at the prospect of leaving home. As his father prepares Billy’s precious pig to go to market, a horrific incident forces Billy’s mother into a terrible life changing choice – husband or son.
Shea Sizemore | USA | 12 mins
Steve Utaski | USA | 3 mins
An aging Luchador (Wrestler) Just another crazy day in front of finds himself behind a computer the computer, at the office. working in a cube. His successful and loving wife helps him find his way.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 10 - SATURDAY 28TH MAY AT 3:15PM
NATHAN EAST - FOR THE RECORD
UK PREMIERE Chris Gero | USA | 85minutes | English Starring: Nathan East, Eric Clapton, Quincy Jones, Vince Gil, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins FOR THE RECORD chronicles one of the most influential bass players in modern music, Nathan East. From his session and touring work across musical genres and membership into the legendary jazz quartet Fourplay, to a behind -the-scenes look at his debut solo album recordings last year. His long-awaited solo album spent four weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart and 34 weeks in the top position on smoothjazz.com. Go see this if you liked THELONIOUS MONK: STRAIGHT, NO CHASER
WORLD PREMIERE
UK PREMIERE
UK PREMIERE
FILM SCHOOL MUSICAL
JADE DRAGON
RIPPLE
Maan B. and Talha B. | USA | 19 mins | Student Film Making a film to the back drop of camp and original show tunes, FILM SCHOOL MUSICAL is a satirical comedy/musical full of little winks and nods to the independent film industry.
Joseph Brett | UK | 9 mins A small, family owned Chinese takeaway restaurant is under the mockumentary microscope as a satirical turn takes the owner by surprise.
Conner Griffith | UK | 3 mins | Experimental An exploration of the grown and the manufactured through their recurring motifs.
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
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SESSION 11 - Sunday 29th May at 5:45pm
KICKING OFF
RAINDANCE AWARD WINNER Matt Wilde | UK | 85minutes | English Written by: Robert Farquhar Produced by: Andy Thompson, Tom George, Alan Rudoff, Jason Sender Starring: Warren Brown (Luther), Greg McHugh (Marvellous), Alistair Petrie (Rush) Devastated by the relegation of their beloved football team, two fanatical fans go on a journey of selfdiscovery as they kidnap the referee who they blame for their own personal misery and their teams demise. Go see this if you liked FOUR LIONS
UK PREMIERE
RAGS
THE TURKISH WRESTLER
Tom Beard | UK | 13 mins
Richard Phibbs| USA/Turkey | 5 mins | Documentary Told through the fleeting repressed memories of a Since 1362 the men of Turkey have come together teenage mother, dark revelations of grooming from in the world’s oldest sport competition. Turkish Oil her past at the hands of the very person who was Wrestling began as military training for soldiers of the meant to protect her. Ottoman Empire. Today it is Turkey’s national sport, drawing boys and men of all ages to the annual competition in Erdine. 14
Oxford International Film Festival 2016
SESSION 12 - SUNDAY 29TH MAY AT 8:15PM
IS THIS THE REAL WORLD
MANIFF AWARD WINNER Martin Mckenna | Australia | 90minutes | English Written by: Martin Mckenna Produced by: Deborah Barlow, John Hipwell, Martin McKenna, Ben Michael, Alison Telford Starring: Sean Keenan (Strangerland), Charlotte Best (Teenage Kicks), Hannes Berger (Belladonna) A high school kid in an Australian coastal town locks into a relentless battle of wills with a controlling teacher, his family is breaking apart, and love is beating at his door... Go see this is you liked GOOD WILL HUNTING
EUROPEAN PREMIERE
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
BRICKS
THE MILL AT CALDERS END REBORN
Neville Pierce | UK | 10 mins
Kevin McTurk | USA | 13 mins | Animation In the remote village of Calder’s End stands an old windmill, a repository of dark secrets. Nicholas Grimshaw has returned to this haunted place, his childhood home, intent on breaking a generations old family curse.
Rich stockbroker William, Blake Ritson (DA VINCI’S DEMONS) hires rough builder Clive, Jason Flemyng (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS) to renovate his wine cellar in this modern take on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic revenge tale ‘The Cask of Amontillado’. Oxford International Film Festival 2016
Andrew Margetson | UK | 4 mins | Experimental A portrait of a dancer. Lauren Cuthbertson, principal dancer at UK’s Royal Ballet, reveals the brutal reality of being a top ballerina and performs a mesmerising piece of choreography.
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VENUE PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
STAY CONNECTED DON’T MISS OUT ON ALL THE GOINGS ON AT OXIFF2016. COMPETITIONS, OFFICIAL PHOTOS, VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AND INTERVIEWS.
Oxford International Film Festival
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Oxford International Film Festival 2016