The BBC First British Film Festival 2015 returns to our shores for the third year and promises a standout selection of favourites and box office hits from the British Isles. The name BBC First is synonymous with premium and original British drama and airs on Foxtel and Fetch TV. They are the principal sponsor of this festival. Palace Cinemas will be hosting the festival in all states bar Perth, where it'll take place at Cinema Paradiso, Luna on SX and Windsor Cinema.
Festival dates are from 27 October to 18 November 2015 (in Sydney with the rest of the States following a day behind) in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Byron Bay. Aside from the Opening Night and Closing Night events, all states except Perth, Canberra and Byron Bay will also screen Dark Horse: The incredible true story of Dream Alliance to celebrate Spring Racing.
The Opening Night film Youth is an 118 minute long movie starring Michael Caine. It's a follow up to the Academy Award winning The Great Beauty Youth and is only the second venture into English-language films by Director Paolo Sorrentino. It was nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival 2015 and was the official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival 2015.
About two old friends who holiday at a prestigious hotel in the Swiss Alps, Fred (Caine) is a suave socialite and retired composer whom British Royalty would love to hear play again. Mick (Harvey Keitel) on the other hand is a film director rushing to complete a screen play. Together they ponder all that surrounds them, including their children, young writers and hotel guests. With stunning cinematography, expert use of music, towering performances and unpredictables, this is a thought-provoking, stylish and daring film.
The closing night film The Man Who Knew Infinity is a 114 minute long Australian Premiere and stars Jeremy Irons and Dev Patel. An official selection at the Gala Presentation - Toronto International Film Festival 2015, it's based on the biography of a mathematical genius of the early twentieth century. It tells the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan's (Dev Patel) and the importance of his work. Coming from a simple beginning in Madras to great renown in Cambridge, it comes to light that his knowledge is both a blessing and a curse. Jeremy Irons is also notable for his terrific performance as Cambridge University Professor G.H. Hardy who at first was not convinced, but later inspired and captivated by the Indian mathematician's trailblazing theories. Their friendship evolves slowly through mutual respect and understanding.
As mentioned previously, celebrating Spring Racing in most states, they'll screen Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story of Dream Alliance as part of a special event. A documentary that's 85 minutes long, it won the World Cinema Documentary Competition Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival 2015. It's a true story of Welsh racing glory that begins in the village of Cefn Fforest, a poor mining valley in Wales. Friends from the village get involved in raising the foal to the heights of an unlikely champion. They go through the glory and the disastrous events that take place.
CLICK HERE for special events in your state which is likely to include cake, wines, cocktails, delicious treats, live entertainment and an after party for some.
CLICK HERE to find out session times and to buy tickets.