#Leeds Film Festival

[hawkeified]

Hoard will be at the Leeds Film Festival on the 18th & 19th of November

[theomenmedia]

The Fable Wins Best Picture At A London-Based Film Festival

History in the Making! Manoj Bajpayee's 'The Fable' clinches Best Film at the Leeds International Film Festival. A landmark for Indian cinema!

[mrs-stans]

@leedsfilmfest: A Different Man screens at LIFF First Look Day on September 14. Aaron Shimberg’s deliciously twisted and darkly funny thriller, starring Sebastian Stan and Adam Pearson, explores our societal obsession with self-image. 📅 14 September / Vue in The Light / 3pm 🎟️ Get tickets through link in bio or leedsfilm.com

[thepeoplesmovies]

Watch Trailer For Disinformation Doc How To Build A Truth Engine

Next month at the Leeds Film Festival, Friedrich Moser’s documentary How To Build A Truth Engine has released its official Trailer. This is executive produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov, the film made its world premiere earlier this year at SXSW with a European Premiere this week in Vienna. Disinformation has been part of the propaganda machine of many governments, political groups and…

[anothersebastianblog]

Calendar of events that Sebastian could attend in the second half of 2024:

ADM screening at Bergmann Center (Fårö) june 26th

ADM screening at KVIFF (CR) june 29th-30th, july 6th

ADM screening at the Chicago Sundance Institute june 29th-30th

Ethan’s bday july 13th

Video call with Don july 16th

Chace’s bday july 18th

ADM screening at New Horizon film festival in Poland july

Charles’s bday July 25th

Kevin Feige’s walk of fame star ceremony july 25th CONFIRMED

San Diego comic con july 27th CONFIRMED

ADM screening at Melbourne film festival aug 8-25th

ADM screening at the new zeland film festival aug 1st and 5th

D23 aug 9-10-11th

Sebastian’s bday aug 13th

The apprentice at Telluride aug 31st CONFIRMED

Annabelle’s 40th bday Sept 5th

The Apprentice at TIFF sept 5th

ADM screening at Deauville ff + sebastian receiving the rising star award sept 9th - 10th CONFIRMED

ADM screening and pre recorded Q&A for Film Independent (LA) sept 11th CONFIRMED

ADM at LIFF (Leeds) sept 14th

ADM premiere and redcarpet CONFIRMED sept 17th

ADM at Cinéfest Sudbury (Ontario) sept 18th

ADM releases in theaters sept 20th

Sebastian at the TODAY SHOW sept 20th CONFIRMED

ADM screening + Q&A with cast (NY) sept 20th and 21st CONFIRMED

ADM at fantastic fest (Austin) sept 22nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian @ Jimmy Kimmel live (LA) sept 25th CONFIRMED

ADM q&a in LA sept 24 and 25th CONFIRMED

ADM at VIFF (vancouver) sept 26th and 28th

LA premiere of The Apprentice sept 29th

BAFTA screening of ADM + q&a oct 2nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian at Graham Norton Show oct 4th CONFIRMED

Sebastian at WTF pocast Oct 7th CONFIRMED

Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong on CBS Morning talking TA Oct 8th CONFIRMED

NYC premiere of The Apprentice Oct 8th CONFIRMED

ADM at Sitges FF oct 3rd-12th

THE APPRENTICE releases in theaters oct 11th

Sebastian at Zurich ff oct 12th CONFIRMED

TA at BFI london ff oct 15th and 17th CONFIRMED

Danish premiere of TA oct 16th CONFIRMED

Sebastian attends the annual Academy Museum Gala oct 20th CONFIRMED

CDFA awards oct 28th CONFIRMED

Sebastian awarded at SCAD Savannah FF (Georgia) nov 2nd CONFIRMED

Sebastian awarded at Miami ff nov 3rd CONFIRMED

Liverpool comic con nov 9th and 10th CONFIRMED

Governor awards nov 17th CONFIRMED

The leading men Party by LaMagazine (LA) nov 20th CONFIRMED

FYC event for The Apprentice (LA) nov 21st CONFIRMED

Gotham Awards dec 2nd CONFIRMED

The tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon dec 5th CONFIRMED

American Cinematheque Awards dec 6th CONFIRMED

thunderbolts* reshoots dec 10-18th atlanta CONFIRMED

American cinematheque Q&A in LA dec 18th CONFIRMED

Tokyo Comic Con dec 28-29-30th CONFIRMED

Useful link

[necronomicon806]

We Need To Talk About From Beyond The Grave | Leeds Horror Film Festival...

[sleepanonymous]

Hi, I was wondering if you knew when Vessel started 'dancing' on stage? I'm pretty sure he started doing in in the late Sundowning-ish era/ TPWBYT era but I thought you'd probably be the best person to ask about finding videos from when he started dancing.

Oooh this is an interesting rabbit hole, thanks for asking Anon 🖤

So... I guess it depends on what you mean by dancing, because Vessel has always sort of moved on stage, you know? But what he did back then and what he's doing now is completely different. Like... maybe a better word for what he used to do is "writhing." The earliest video of a ritual I've seen of Sleep Token's was their third ritual in (what I'm assuming is) late 2017, and "writhing" is probably the best word for what Vessel was doing on stage (and I say that affectionately/respectfully).

TLDR; Conclusively I would say Vessel started dancing, as we see him dance on stage today, in the summer of 2022. He's always moved on stage, and even acted unhinged during Sleep Token's earlier rituals. Below the cut, I go through rituals on YouTube from 2018-2023 to try and pinpoint exactly when Vessel started dancing like we see currently in 2023. (I went through quite a few videos, most not even mentioned in this monster of a post, so I made a YouTube playlist here).

A great example of Vessel's early "writhing" dancing is this YouTube video of Nazareth from the 2018 Leeds Festival (he's also an absolute menace here!! He steps on III, he didn't paint his waist or his back, and he strangles and spits on the original OG IV. Like... the man had demons and I am here for them). The dancing that's most similar to current times starts around 2:37 and 3:40.

2019 is impossible to find good videos for lol, since they did most of their rituals for the Beautiful Oblivion tour as an opener and, apparently, nobody films openers. But there are some with decent audio quality from ArcTanGent (my favorite being The Offering). Interestingly, he's less animated, still writhing, but not a menace to the rest of the band while doing so. If anyone is even slightly photosensitive please don't watch these ArcTanGent videos, the lighting effects really didn't agree with the camera's shutter speed.

This is a video of Higher from December 2019. The sound is not as crisp, and the videographer is quite a bit further from the stage, but Vessel is still moving, especially towards the end. The breakdown starts around 2:15, and while III and OG IV are definitely more animated than Vessel, he's still dancing with them. He even jumps down to scream the end of the song at the barrier (and has a mini-wardrobe malfunction) at 2:39. That crowd was really feeling it and so was Vessel.

Because of the plague in 2020, all of Sleep Token's shows were in January. Vessel's behaviour was very similar to the video posted above (just with less crowd interaction). The first show they played in 2021 was the Download Pilot. This is the best audio quality of that show, and Vessel also moves/dances the most in this video, though it's toward the end around 2:31, where the videographer forgot they were filming and just started vibing, so it's really hard to see, lol. I don't blame them, but it's also shakycam to the max. (Also, a quick fun fact, this is the first show the band played with our current IV as far as I can tell.)

This is another video from 2021, but from Sleep Token's TPWBYT rituals tour. It's Hypnosis, and in the very beginning, we see some Floor Vessel, which is neat and reminiscent of the most recent NA rituals, before he does some of his usual writing, though quite a bit more animated. Around 4:06 you can see the writing again, but after 4:19 it morphs into what we've seen from more recent rituals. (Also, if anyone wants a full 70-minute video of this show, filmed from the center of the balcony looking down on the stage, you can watch it here. Some parts have major flashing, so just be careful).

Here's another video of Hypnosis, this time from September 2022. Here, finally, we see Vessel's current version of dancing, hops and arm flails included. It starts right when the song kicks in at 0:13, and he does it again at the end, around 4:29. Technically they did a UK tour with the Architects in May (see this video of The Offering at 3:50) and an Australian tour in June 2022 with Northlane (again, see this video of The Offering at 0:20, 1:37), with similar behaviour from Vessel, but that BRRF Hypnosis video is the first video I ever watched of Sleep Token live so it's very dear to me and it's also better sound quality than anything I could find from earlier in the year.

I went way overboard with answering this question, Anon, but it was super fun, so thank you again for asking 🖤🙏 Again, I made a playlist of all the videos + several others. If anyone has any recommendations for me to add to the playlist, send the links my way (especially if they aren't The Offering or Hypnosis lol) and I'll add them in chronological order.

[ultrakdramamama]

Choi Min-ho, Son Na-eun and romantic chemistry… Confirmed to appear in ‘Family X Melo’

Minho Choi (SHINee Minho) will be returning to the small screen with a romance drama.

Minho Choi will be appearing in JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'Family X Melo', which will be aired for the first time on August 10th. He will be playing the role of Nam Tae-pyeong, who lives his life according to his own convictions

. Nam Tae-hyung (played by Minho Choi) is a character with a my-way personality who hides his identity as the son of the president of the large corporation J Plus Mart and works two jobs as a mart security guard and a Taekwondo instructor. He will show off his various charms with his warm visuals that catch the eye as well as his easygoing and cheerful side. He will

also create a strange atmosphere when Byun Mi-rae (played by Naeun Son) finds out about his complicated family history. The two will share each other's worries and create a 'stormy romance' that goes back and forth between growth and excitement.

Moreover, Choi Min-ho challenged the suspense genre for the first time with his previous film 'New Normal', and was invited to many famous overseas film festivals including the 66th BFI London Film Festival, the 38th Warsaw Film Festival, and the 36th Leeds International Film Festival, receiving attention from all over the world for his unique side. Expectations are high for the new look he will show in this work.

'Family X Melo' is a bloody family melodrama about a father who abandoned his wife 11 years ago returning as the owner of the building. It will air on August 10th at 10:30 PM.

Choi Hee-jae (jupiter@edaily.co.kr)

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

“The Couple Next Door” at MIPCOM 2023 in Cannes 🇫🇷

Beta Film distributed “The Couple Next Door” series, the Beta Film drama series was sold before the MIPCOM’s event to Movistar Plus+ in Spain and Nordic countries, public television stations NRK in Norway, YLE in Finland, SVT in Sweden, DR. in Denmark and RÚV in Iceland took the title.

The official thriller of the dark psychological drama ‘The Couple Next Door’ (6x1h, Eagle Eye Drama/Beta/Channel4/STARZ/LIONSGATE+) delves into the repercussions of pursuing one's darkest desires. Sam Heughan and Eleanor Tomlinson partner with Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter, How to Get Away With Murder) and Jessica De Gouw (The Secret She Keeps) was presented on Tuesday 17th October at The World Greatest Gathering of TV & Entertainment Executives 16-19 October 2023 at Palais des Festivals, Cannes.

#thecouplenextdoor show will launch this autumn 2023, there's no date, on Channel 4 in the UK, Starz in North America and Lionsgate+ in Latin America. Filming took place earlier this year in Leeds and Belgium, and Beta Film is the distributing.

BETA Unveils MIPCOM 2023 line-up with over 20 new dramas and seasons from 15 countries - Thrillers, about tragedies, and love stories of fresh and compelling series from all over Europe, which will celebrate its world premiere at the prestigious Grand Auditorium of the Palais de Festivals in Cannes.

MIPCOM CANNES 2023- (Marché International des Programmes de Communication, English: International Market of Communications Programmes) is an entertainment content market', and happens every October, MIPCOM is the most anticipated week for global decision-makers to compete for new series, source international production partners, and set the development agenda for the coming year and beyond.

The 39th edition of MIPCOM CANNES brought together more than 12,000 delegates from over 110 countries, including 3,000 buyers, to the vibrant city of Cannes.

Because of the BAFTA’s event, I believe the TV Preview and official thriller to the public will not be available until Wednesday 1st November in London (it makes sense to show everything in one day) with cast Sam Heughan, Eleanor Tomlinson, Alfred Enoch, David Allison, writer, Dries Vos, director as announced, at the Princess Anne Theatre.

#thecouplenextdoor #thriller # BETA #Cannes #MIPCOM2023 #France #PalaisdeFestivals #InternationalMarketofCommunications #Channel4 #EagleEye

[daimonclub]

Christmas Markets in England

London Christmas markets Christmas markets in England, the best wonderful Christmas markets in London, and in Bath, Bristol, Chester, Winchester, York, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester The festive period is fast approaching and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to a Christmas market in England? Christmas markets in England mean sparkling lights, gorgeous presents, carol-singers, ice rinks, and mugs of mulled wine, making the winter holiday season a delightful time of year. Every big city has a Christmas Market when the time is right. England’s Christmas Markets are fun, they’re festive and the fragrance of mulled wine on the airwaves keeps the punters coming. Best Christmas markets in London The locations below annually host some of the top Christmas markets in London, which usually stay open until the New Year. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City Christmas By The River at London Bridge City is set against stunning views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, offering wooden huts packed with original presents, handmade crafts and plenty of delicious snacks. Indulge in mouthwatering food from an array of pop-up stalls and admire one of London's most iconic skyline views with a steaming cup of mulled wine. Selfridges Christmas Market The Selfridges Christmas Market returns to Edwards Mews again this Christmas. Enjoy sizzling street food from vendors curated by the founder of Street Feast, Dominic Cools-Lartigue, including waffles dripping with chocolate, Filipino treats and pie and mash. This outdoor market brings fairground rides for kids and adults, personalised wreaths made in front of you and heaps of stalls selling Christmas goodies. Winter Wonderland Christmas market The annual Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is situated in one of the city’s most spectacular parks. You’ll find over 100 illuminated wooden chalets decorated in Bavarian style selling handicrafts and fantastic gifts from around the world, including handmade crafts and beautiful pieces of jewellery. You can also enjoy traditional German street food and mulled wine. Winter Follow the lights to Hyde Park and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Winter Wonderland, one of the biggest Christmas markets in London. You can also get your skates on at the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink, see London sparkle from the Giant Observation Wheel, or sit back and enjoy one of Winter Wonderland's top Christmas shows.

Winterville Christmas Market Leicester Square Christmas market Experience festive fun with Christmas in Leicester Square, which gives the home of blockbuster film premieres a yuletide makeover. Browse the traditional market filled with a wonderful array of crafts and tempting treats. Afterwards, head to the Belgian spiegeltent to enjoy a brilliant lineup of comedy, cabaret and magic shows. Southbank Centre Winter Market See the South Bank's riverside transformed into a wintry wonderland, where global cuisine and an artisan Christmas market come together in one sparkling location for Southbank Centre's Winter Festival. Amble past the traditional wooden chalets lining the banks of the Thames and pick up gorgeous stocking fillers from the Winter Market. Or, tuck into cheese-based food, cocktails and mulled wine surrounded by the glow of neon artworks, as part of the Winter Lights display. Eccleston Yards Christmas Market Explore the buzzy open-air mall which makes up this stunning courtyard. Browse stalls filled with trinkets and unique gifts at Eccleston Yards Christmas Market, which brings festive cheer, new traders and live music to this open space during the countdown to Christmas. Treat the special people in your life to London vouchers for top spots or browse luxury Christmas gifts and experiences in the city. Borough Market Tour the historical arches of Borough Market, decked out with lights, decorations and twinkling ornaments, as you source the finest seasonal foods while listening to choirs and buskers singing jolly tunes. Indulge in An Evening of Cheese (15 Dec), or pick up foodie tips and tricks during three days of Festive Kitchen demonstrations (7-9 Dec). From 16 Nov Greenwich Christmas market Tick items off your Christmas shopping list while browsing Greenwich Market's 150 stalls and shops, selling a range of stocking fillers, fashion items, crafts and original artworks. Make sure to also wander around the ancient maritime neighbourhood of Greenwich, which is decked out with lights and festive goodies. Plus, watch as brightly coloured lanterns parade through the area during the Christmas lights switch on.

Christmas markets in England Christmas under the Canopy at King's Cross Get hands-on at craft workshops at Christmas under the Canopy, a covered market found in King's Cross. Following your creative work, browse the array of stalls to find live jazz, carol singers, food tastings, mulled wine and masterclasses at Canopy Market, which welcomes a number of independent, ethical and sustainable vendors. Kingston Christmas Market Venture over to picturesque Kingston upon Thames, where you can search the riverside town's Ancient Market Place for unique Christmas gifts at the Kingston Christmas Market. The cosy cabins are packed with a range of handmade arts and crafts, beautiful decorations and stocking fillers. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal entertainment while tucking into some specialist street food. Other Best Christmas Markets in England Manchester Christmas Markets Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market Leeds Christkindelmarkt Bath Christmas Market York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair Bristol Christmas Market Chester Christmas Market Winchester Christmas Market Manchester Christmas Markets Manchester is home to some of the best Christmas markets in the country and is known as one of the best markets in Europe. There are more than nine of them scattered throughout the city centre, which makes it a true paradise for Christmas enthusiasts! You’ll find a diverse range of food and drink stalls at all of them, each offering a unique experience. The largest market is in Albert Square, which features a German village packed with food and drink stalls. If you’re visiting Manchester in December, it’s a must do!

Manchester Christmas market Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market In Birmingham, you can find the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside of Germany. Anyone looking for some Christmas gifts will find beautiful decorations and handcrafted items to choose from, but the real reason to go is for the fab food and drink. Victoria Square is filled with the most delicious smell of Christmas as stalls sell traditional German food. You can sample authentic bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, and hot chestnuts. You can even get half-metre sausages, if that sounds good to you – and if you’re thirsty there are four pint jugs of beer or sweet little mugs of flavoured gluhwein too. Leeds Christkindelmarkt Leeds Chrsitkindelmarkt is one of the oldest German Christmas markets in England. Throughout the square are wooden stalls selling beautiful toys, jewellery, crafts, decorations, and other items. A jingling carousel ride with lively music and vibrant coloured lights creates a festive mood throughout the entire Christmas village. The fairground style rides for children and its ‘Breakfast with Santa’ experience are among its most popular attractions. This is a ticketed event that happens on Saturday and Sunday. The Bavarian style restaurant Alp Chalet is in the centre of Millennium Square, and during Christmas, families and kids are invited to enjoy a Christmas breakfast with Santa in traditional German style. Bath Christmas Market Bath hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in England every year. During the winter months, Bath isn’t only wonderful due to its gorgeous architecture, but even more beautiful thanks to its festive atmosphere, and the excellent Bath Christmas Market. A day out in Bath is always a good idea, particularly in winter when it’s definitely one of the best festive days out in the Cotswolds. “With over 130 twinkling chalets, soak up the sights and scents of Christmas as you meander through the cobbled streets surrounded by some of the South West’s most talented crafters. Enjoy a festive experience like no other, surrounded by some of Britain’s iconic architecture. Christmas Markets with stalls are spread all over Bath, on its streets and in small squares surrounding Bath Cathedral.

Bath Christmas Market It’s possible to find independent producers selling their products on many stalls. It’s a great place to find all kinds of handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as some of the best food and mulled wine. Festive streetlights are strung on the town’s most iconic buildings and streets. A major feature of Bath Christmas Market is the Victorian merry-go-round, suitable for children and adults on the horses or in carriages. York’s St Nicholas Christmas Fair York’s Christmas Market is one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in England. Wooden, alpine-style chalets border York’s pedestrianised city streets, selling locally manufactured crafts, art, food, and drink. Shoppers can enjoy a range of tantalising free samples to try as well as one-of-a-kind presents to purchase. A big, decorated Christmas tree, live entertainment, and beautiful night time illuminations help to create a bright festive mood. Thor’s Tipi, a massive canvas tipi specially created for the Christmas season, is the show-stopper at the Christmas market. Foot-sore customers can relax on soft blankets in front of a roaring log fire and sip mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate and soak up the atmosphere. York Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas days out in Yorkshire! Bristol Christmas Market Bristol Christmas Market in England is more about spending time to appreciate the ambiance and allowing yourself the opportunity to relax or see friends. The Bristol Christmas Market takes place in Broadmead, the city’s Shopping Quarter. It’s a compact but well structured market with a well-planned assortment of booths offering something unique, ensuring you’ll discover the ideal one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. The bar at the heart of the market attracts families with a singing reindeer at the entrance, and while they do serve alcoholic drinks, you can also get a reasonably priced hot chocolate to keep you warm while listening to your favourite festive tunes and watching the frantic last-minute shoppers running past. “Located in the very heart of Bristol City Centre, the Christmas market is home to over 50 unique stalls, as well as entertainment from the likes of Santa and reindeer visits in December. Visitors can enjoy heated seating, delicious drinks and live music in our Jäger Barn Bar, and also try their hand at the much-loved sport of curling for some competitive fun.“

Christmas markets in the UK Chester Christmas Market This mediaeval city in northwest England is notable for its Roman fortifications and walls, as well as Tudor-style timber houses. Then there’s the magical Chester Christmas Market. This is one of the greatest English Christmas markets to visit if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional. Over 70 traditional wooden chalets are situated on the city’s Town Hall Square, with the magnificent Chester Cathedral as a backdrop. Visiting makes for a great day out in Cheshire. Pick up some mulled wine or a tasty hog roast bap after browsing the stalls for handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, and local produce. Stop by the Real Ale Bar for a Christmas drink or a local cask ale and take a photo in front of the spectacular Christmas tree to really make your Chester Christmas Market experience. Winchester Christmas Market What better way to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit than at Winchester Cathedral? The monumental Gothic cathedral, in the centre of Britain’s former capital city, towers imposingly over the quaint English Christmas Market, which promises tidings of joy. Winchester has one of the best Christmas Markets in Hampshire, if not England. Follow your nose to stalls touting fine food and drink. Mulled wine in hand, then follow your ears to join the gathered crowd singing along with the carolling choir. And, full of golden festive spirit, mooch around the stalls and support local craftspeople and traders whilst you do your Christmas shopping. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4jsR5PXidU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAJYkO3G8VU Read also our other posts on Christmas  ; Christmas markets in America ; Christmas markets in Italy and Germany ; Christmas quotes ; 60 great Christmas quotes ; Christmas tree origin and quotes ;  Christmas short stories ; Ella Gray A Christmas short story ; Traditional Christmas Carols ; Christmas jokes ; Christmas cracker jokes ; Funny Christmas Stories ; Amusing Christmas stories ; Christmas food ; Christmas thoughts ; Christmas story ; Christmas in Italy ; Christmas holidays ; Christmas songs ; Christmas poems ; An Essay on Christmas by Chesterton ; Read the full article

[whileiamdying]

38ª LIFF (2024) – Ainda Estou Aqui

Roteiro e performances admiráveis Por Ivonete Pinto | 16.11.2024 (sábado)

– Cobertura do 38º Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF)

LEEDS (ING.) – De tudo o que tem sido falado sobre Ainda estou aqui, a presença da casa, como personagem, tem sido uma constante. Um longo travelling final não deixa dúvida da importância simbólica da residência dos Paiva na trágica história deles. Roberto DaMatta tem insights interessantes no livro “A Casa e a Rua” (1997), chamando a atenção para a casa e a rua serem  entidades morais. Para o antropólogo, as pessoas apresentam um comportamento em casa e outro na rua.

A casa de Ainda estou aqui é um polo de encontros de amigos e familiares, o que para o regime militar era um problema. Os amigos do ex-deputado Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), assassinado pelo regime, tinham implicações com a resistência à ditadura.

A eloquência da dor no rosto silencioso de Eunice (Fernanda Torres)

Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), como quase todas as esposas de envolvidos com a resistência, para sua segurança era poupada das atividades políticas do marido. Mas a casa, não importa o comportamento de seus ocupantes, não era nenhum lugar sagrado e indevassável como prega o senso comum. Para os militares não era.

Reinterpretando Roberto DaMatta – e ao mesmo tempo o contradizendo –, a relação que gostaria de fazer é a de que a casa dos Paiva refletia o caráter público e o caráter privado da família. O pai amoroso, bem humorado, com um passado político digno dadas as circunstância (teve o mandato cassado como deputado  em 1964), não era diferente do cidadão que se sentiu impelido  a se envolver com a resistência. Um envolvimento discreto, apenas ajudando quem estava vivendo na clandestinidade. É de uma das falas de um amigo de Paiva, pertencente ao grupo que frequentava sua casa, que vem um argumento que não deixa dúvidas. Ele diz à Eunice, tentando explicar porque o marido tinha sido preso, que era impossível não se envolver. Ou seja, para um cidadão honesto, correto, humanista, democrata, era impossível não tomar partido, não fazer algo frente ao que acontecia.

Talvez a frase desse amigo possa ser uma boa síntese da representação da casa, como elemento que não pode se desvincular da realidade social. Da esfera privada que não se separa da pública quando assuntos como a violência de um regime atingem a sociedade.

Roteiro – Ainda estou aqui, como expressão artística, é um exemplar coerente na obra de Walter Salles. Estrutura de produção internacional, clássica e competente. Mira  um amplo público, trabalhando a narrativa de modo claro, com informações reiterativas, sem margem para lacunas ou piruetas de linguagem. O uso da música não tem excessos, embora não deixe de incorrer na velha tática de reforçar o que já está na tela.

Uma família amputada, que segue em frente de cabeça erguida sob o alicerce de Eunice, mãe de cinco filhos.

Para o espectador brasileiro, consciente quanto à natureza e impacto da ditadura civil-militar, há alguns exageros didáticos. Mas para plateias estrangeiras, não há sobras. O roteiro de Murilo Hauser e Heitor Lorega  (baseado na autobiografia de Marcelo Rubens Paiva) é engenhoso em condensar o livro, com soluções dramatúrgicas precisas. Como quando o personagem do filho, Marcelo, surge de cadeiras de rodas na elipse de mais de duas décadas. A explicação para tudo o que aconteceu com ele, do acidente que o deixou tetraplégico  à fama como escritor, é resolvida com uma simples e curta cena. Uma cena para ser apresentada em aulas de roteiro (aliás, o fine ganhou o prêmio de melhor roteiro  em Veneza).

Evidentemente, a performance dos atores é admirável, sobretudo a de Fernanda Torres, em especial nos seus momentos sem falas e na cena do interrogatório na prisão. Tal performance  igualmente  funciona  para a compreensão das audiências estrangeiras. Na sessão em dia de semana do festival de Leeds, com uma plateia formada majoritariamente por ingleses, curioso notar o absoluto silêncio, quebrado apenas na sequência final, com a entrada em cena de Fernanda Montenegro. Nos longos planos fechados em seu rosto, era possível ouvir a respiração mais forte de alguns choros contidos.  Também foi possível observar o total interesse, pois permanecer na sala para ler a totalidade dos créditos, mesmo após as mais de duas horas de duração, é um bom sinal.

[pillarboxed]

The Fable (2024) Review

Warning: Full spoilers ahead

Director: Raam Reddy

Runtime: 119 minutes

Language(s): Hindi, English, and Pahari audio; English subtitles

Certification: PG (Singapore)

My invite to the screening of The Fable at the 35th Singapore International Film Festival. Director Raam Reddy and lead actor Manoj Bajpayee were in attendance.

“How much knowledge do you need to have to engage with something in a meaningful way?” I was reminded of this question posed by the video essay Reading Binging Benning (2018) while writing my review of The Fable (2024). The video essayists were commissioned by the International Film Festival Rotterdam to introduce a screening of James Benning’s Readers (2017)—but they had no access to the film. They had two stills, detailed information about the film, and access to some of Benning’s other works, but these don’t replace the film itself.

My situation with The Fable isn’t as drastic as these video essayists’, since I actually did watch it. There was even a pre-screening introduction from the director himself, who expressed an intention behind the film: he wanted the audience to undergo a “spiritual” experience.

I did not have this experience.

The Fable has elements that sound like the film could be spiritual. It is slow-paced. It features a group of ascetic people. They chant in unison. One of them meets with the protagonist’s daughter, Vanya (Hiral Sidhu), and they hum together, seeming to have a quasi-telepathic conversation. The protagonist’s wife, Nandini (Priyanka Bose), performs songs about spiritual concepts.

In my research for this review, I discovered that the first song Nandini sings is “Shivoham”, also known as “Nirvana Shatakam”. I frequently found the composition being attributed to the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara. I didn’t manage to find out what the second composition is, but from what I remember, Nandini sings about a place of seemingly peaceful nothingness.

Maybe the film connects better with Hindu audiences, or at least, with those who are quite familiar with Hinduism, unlike me. However, I feel that it should still be able to resonate. I’m not that knowledgeable regarding Shintoism or Buddhism either, yet I was in awe at Princess Mononoke (1997). Earlier this year, I rewatched the Studio Ghibli film, intending to take mental notes at the same time. It wasn’t long before I forgot all about taking notes. Princess Mononoke entranced me. On the other hand, The Fable was generally boring.

No, a film being boring doesn’t necessarily make it bad. For example, I’d describe Forgotten Planets (2018) as “boring”. Something about it made me want to rewatch it, though, which I did less than a month later. (Granted, there was also the motivation that I had easy access to the film at the time, something which was likely to change in the future.) I think what I liked about Forgotten Planets was its calming mood. Even though neither of its two protagonists are content with the state of things, it’s still a very slice-of-life story without much tension.

The Fable, however, isn’t a pleasantly boring film. It maintains its tension for too long, and for too long at the same level of intensity. The tension mainly comes from the mystery of who is burning the protagonist’s orchards and why. This premise sounds dramatic, but the problem is that it rarely feels like anything is at stake for Dev (Manoj Bajpayee).

Via SGIFF.com

The programme guide of the 38th Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) calls The Fable a “political allegory”.

I can see that the film touches on the themes of colonialism and class. At the beginning, a narrator from the future tells us that it was the British who gave the orchards to Dev’s family. The British gave them to his family as a reward. At the end, the narrator says that Dev and his family suddenly disappeared one day but not without a letter. In the letter, Dev declares his land returned to the villagers who originally owned it and that he gives the family residence to his former orchard manager, Mohan (Deepak Dobriyal), who we discover is the narrator.

Where did Dev and his family go? The filmmakes it quite obvious that they are the fairies in the…well, fable that the wife of an orchard worker tells her young son. “It’s about a family who looked just like us,” the woman says. “Even they thought they were like everyone else. But the truth was, they were special souls.” She goes on to say that these “special souls” are actually fairies who had come to earth and forgotten where they came from.

At the start of The Fable, Dev is shown to have a hobby of designing and building wings that let him fly around. At the end, we catch a glimpse of winged figures soaring through the clouds and a pair of his engineered wings attached to a stake in the woods, fully unfurled.

LIFF describes the film as not only a “political allegory” but an “incisive” one.

I can’t see the allegory.

What was the point of making Dev and his family fairies? Having the land returned to their original inhabitants seems to display an anti-colonialist sentiment, but this is undermined by implying that the “special souls” in this story are the characters who have ties to the colonisers.

As a Muslim, I connect to the idea that there is a better world beyond this earth. I believe that even if someone’s life appears to be full of hardship and pain, if they endure it patiently and correctly (i.e. according to God’s commands), then they will attain Paradise in the hereafter. Leaving this world would be liberating for them.

I didn’t feel any sense of liberation when Dev and his family leave earth. Of course, having your land mysteriously burn away before you would be terrifying for anybody. The fire even reaches the plants before the family’s doorstep. But when compared to the tribulations of their employees, those that Dev and his family experience don’t feel particularly heavy.

During the mysterious fires, the patwari (also known as a village accountant) continuously tries to impress wealthy landowner Dev by “assisting” in the investigation, including getting police officers to make arrests. After a huge fire on a mountainside, the patwari brings the police and tells them to make five arrests no matter what. So, without any sufficient evidence, the police arrest five orchard workers who risked their lives to put out the raging fire. Who will assist the villagers? Dev eventually stops the police from taking the arrestees away—but he appears to do this reluctantly. Later, he lays off all his staff.

After all that has happened, is it really a liberation for Dev and his family to fly away to their fairy home?

What’s the allegory?

In Reading Binging Benning, Kevin B. Lee talks about his experience watching his first Benning film, RR (2007). Lee says, “The whole time, my head is spinning, trying to figure out, ‘Is there something in front of me that I’m just not seeing?’ I was facing an image that wasn’t telling me how to read it.”

Maybe I don’t know enough about the history or cultures of India to appreciate the film. But how much do I need to know? How much knowledge is fair to assume the audience has? It sounds strange, but The Fable could probably do with more exposition.

Rating: 1.5/5

Thank you to SGIFF for the Cinephile Pass and for the invite to the Special Presentation of The Fable.

[ijustwantedtobeoneofthestrokesuk]

Is That It?

New York

New York was energised, and it all coincided with a new ‘sound’. The Strokes had just released their debut album in Australia and the UK, September saw it come out in the US and the spotlight was on New York because of The Strokes too. The most hyped band in the world helped build a new movement in music that would last the decade.  

The Modern Age EP was 3 songs, the band had done 1 tour in the UK, they were the biggest band in the world, the pressure was on. Is This It came out, 11 songs, 36 minutes and 28 seconds but it could have easily been forgotten with 9/11. 

9/11 was unlike anything before, it happened live on TV, the first major moment in the age of 24/7 news. New York was mourning, everyone was empathic for New York and Is This It felt so New York (the USA release was pushed back and they replaced one song, New York City Cops with When It Started). The album could have been buried under the rumble of 9/11 but it was a tribute to New York, it made New York cool again. That band looked effortlessly cool, the messy hair, leather jackets, ripped jeans and Converse hi-tops, it was punk in the 21st Century and the album sounded just as cool, so different, so fresh and flawless.

Jay McAllister (Beans On Toast) “The Strokes felt like they emerged out of thin air and became everybody’s favourite band overnight. I was at Reading the year they were supposed to be the small band tent and they moved up to the main stage as everyone wanted to see them, the music matched up to that.” 

They were young, good-looking poster boys, girls wanted to sleep with them, boys wanted to be them (as Alex Turner sings on Star Treatment). The Strokes brought skinny jeans back from the seventies paired with vintage tees, and a don’t give a fuck attitude. It was punk, it was cool. Our parents might have seen this before but we hadn’t.  

Tom Atkin (The Paddingtons) “Everyone was waiting for The Strokes to come out, everyone needed this movement. They gave birth to that whole era, such an amazing time.”

That debut lived up to the hype that the NME had generated. In 2001 that hyped saw the band be upgraded to the mainstage at the Reading and Leeds Festival,  a year later, they headlined it, playing after icons Pulp. 

MTV played a key part in distributing music in the early 2000’s, videos gave an insight into “who” the band was, in an era before they would share everything on social media. The Strokes made some iconic videos (Somedayshowed the band hanging about at a bar, taking on Guided by Voices at a TV game show and just being cool dudes with Slash).

It was their MTV $2 Dollar Bill Concert that “sold” the band as it captured everything special and exciting about them. Julian stumbled on the stage in the iconic military jacket, Nick stands out in a white blazer while Fab doesn’t miss a beat. It was filmed to look vintage at the time, over 20 years later, it looks like a classic. 

The question everyone was asking was, can they do it again?

Yes.

Initially, they returned to New York to work with Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich for Room On Fire however those sessions were scrapped, both him and Julian clashed as they are control freaks. They went back to the tried and trusted Gordon Raphael.

London

Gordon “There was more time and a big studio (my small studio was gone by then.. as I was living in UK) when it came to recording Room On Fire. The band had been touring for two years and were SO SO tight and powerful. Nothing could have prepared me for that happy surprise.”  

It still had that same feel that everyone loved from the debut but it was polished, cleaner, and modern. Julian’s vocals had gone from muffled to slightly digitalised and, it wasn’t recorded “live”, it wasn’t raw, instead it was slicker. It was the same, but different. The songs weren’t as instant, they didn’t hit as hard but that was ok, they didn’t need to have attention-grabbing singles this time. They had already proved that they could do it and, which album is better is always a great argument.

Unfortunately, after releasing the album, the band admitted they weren’t exactly happy with it, It was finished with sleepless nights, arguments and stress to reach the deadline RCA had given. Is This It might have been important, but it wasn’t a big seller, RCA put heat on the band to deliver on Room On Fire which came out just over 2 years after the debut. 

Between those 2 releases, the band toured the world a few times, playing over 200 gigs while living under constant pressure to live up to the hype. The Strokes tried to avoid being labelled as “rockstars”, but they lived like them, never shy around drink and drugs, they were in their early 20’s, it was inevitable.  Julian had been a drinker from an early age, the band might have been a 5-piece but Julian was more than a frontman, the songs were his. Every day was full with duties, interviews, promoting, soundchecks and gigs, the afterparty was the relief. There wasn’t time, or energy to write new songs, so, when the tours were finished and it was time to go in the studio, the only thing they had were hangovers. Still, a decent effort!

NEXT CHAPTER

[niamflopped]

Louis: I'm proud of meself for what I've been through and the world needs to know about it. I deserve a film biopic.

Film Companies: No thanks, there isn't enough interest. You're not even prepared to talk about your sister's death or your break up with Eleanor Calder.

Louis: Fuck you - I'll produce and finance my OWN film.

***

Louis: I deserve to headline an indie music festival.

Reading/Leeds: Not a chance. Not even tenth on the bill.

Louis: Fuck you - I'll hire an outdoor venue, put on a concert with three support acts and I will headline it myself!

***

Louis: I look cool every day and 28 is my favourite number so I deserve to have a fashion brand. Zayn collabed with Versace, Harry with Gucci - who wants to collab with me?

Every fashion designer on the planet: No thanks.

Louis: Fuck you - I'll finance my own brand and call it designer!

***

Louis' Accountant: 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[c-e-s-a-r-i-o]

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone’s well, and if not, I wish you better. Anyone doing anything interesting for the remainder of Summer Break?

Today, I’m going to be doing something different. I’m going to post two (2) times today, this post here and another later today, possibly later tonight.

Currently, I want to bring focus on a musician. Jasmine Wembankoy is a musician on TikTok and is currently trying to raise the funds to go to Abbey Road Institute. She was offered a place at this highly exclusive Advanced Diploma for Music Production and Sound Engineering.

Unfortunately, while she wasn’t accepted for a scholarship to the school, the panelists have offered her a place at the school if she could pay her own tuition.

Coming from Islington, London, she initially got into music because of her love of a certain video game. Starting from obsessively researching on how the Assassins Creed II’s soundtrack, produced by Jesper Key, was created, she has now grown to post her own music, of which can be found under the name Safii Koii.

She has grown through the years, and she is most famous for her cover of Kate Bush’s Army Dreamers, by far her most popular cover. Though that’s not her only experience in being in the spotlight in her corner of the internet; after attending East London Art and Music in 2017 and then moving to Leeds Conservatoire in 2019 to chase after a degree in music production, of which she was the only black girl in her class, she has had many wonderful opportunities. She has composed her own music for a film at just eighteen, has had her voice play out of the radio, and has played in her first festival. Her GoFundMe goes into much greater detail for you all, so if you have the time please go read her story!

She is currently sitting at £9,895/€15,920, which is thankfully enough enroll at Abbey Road Institution as it is enough to cover five (5) installments for tuition fees! But she still needs continued support for the rest of her time in the Institution. Even €5 helps, so please help Jasmine reach her goal and be able to go to Abbey Road Institution without having to worry about if she’s going to have enough to continue attending the university. If you don’t have the funds for even €5, you can simply spread her story and GoFundMe!

Her TikTok is @safii_koii and her GoFundMe is https://gofund.me/1767b391

-Lyfrassir(🪷) and Lucy-Grey(🎤)

(P.S. She has another GoFundMe in the linktree in her bio, leading you to a campaign of a family trying to raise the funds to get out of Gaza when the border reopens. If you can, also donate to them!)

[sugdenlovesdingle]

another pointless celebrity cameo. (x)

Legendary ice dancers, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, have been cast in the soap, playing themselves in a special festive episode at the end of year.

Filming has taken place at a location in Leeds and the Olympic gold medal winners have reunited on ice to help a well-loved character make a marriage proposal.

The identity of the potentially betrothed couple is being held under wraps for now, but it’s one of a few pinnacle plotlines that will grace the Christmas season in the Dales.

The skating icons have joined actors Dominic Brunt (Paddy), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle), James Chase (Tom King), Mark Charnock (Marlon), Roxy Shahidi (Leyla) and Joe-Warren Plant (Jacob) for a smiley picture as they filmed the scenes. ---

Jacob proposing to Vic this Christmas then.