Five films to watch at WOW Film Festival

WOW Wales One World Film Festival begins this weekend – here’s our pick of what to watch.

A Story Of Children and Film

In his latest documentary director Mark Cousins examines the way film has presented children since the silent era, spanning over fifty films from around the world to show the affinity between film and childhood.

The buzz: Mark Cousins’ A Story of Film was a mammoth study, and his most recent monolith is another cine-essay that has been lauded since its release last year. Catch the Welsh premiere and a Q&A with the director himself.

Where: Chapter Arts Centre, Friday 21 March, 18:00

The Past

A study of modern family life in flux, The Past sees French actress Bernice Bejo play Marie, a woman whose husband has travelled from Tehran to Paris to divorce her.

The buzz: Iranian director Asghar Farhadi follows up A Separation with a stellar script. Bernice Bejo’s ball-breaking performance as a tempestuous mother of three won her the Best Actress Award at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Where: Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Tuesday 29 April – Wednesday 30 April, 20:00

The Rocket

Ahlo is a twin whose family believes has brought bad luck after a series of disasters befall them. To prove he’s not cursed, Ahlo is determined to win the lucrative and dangerous Rocket Festival and restore his family’s luck.

The buzz: Awards at the Tribeca Film Festival and glowing reviews mean this coming of age story set in the gorgeous Laos lanscape is one to watch.

Where: Screenings at Chapter, Clwyd Theatr Cymru and Aberystwyth from Wednesday 19 March – Wednesday 30 April

Winter Nomads

This fly-on-the-wall documentary follows herder Pascal and his partner Carole as they drive their 800 sheep across the mountains of Switzerland.

The buzz: Winner of the best documentary at the European Film Awards 2012, this Swiss film looks cheering and inspiring.

Gloria

Gloria is a middle-aged divorcee determined to enjoy life to the full – happiest when out dancing, when Gloria meets Rodolfo, her latest conquest, she gives her all.

The buzz: With an engaging performance from Paulina García – who won best actress at the Berlin Film Festival for her role – this story of a vivacious, charming woman on a quest for love is heart-lifting.

Where: Theatr Mwldan, Sunday 23 March, 17:50, Taliesin Arts Centre, Wednesday 9 April, 20:00

To book tickets for any WOW screening visit their website – find out more about the festival on Facebook and Twitter.

The Film Assembly invites young filmmakers to show off talent

Young filmmakers have been invited to showcase their work to industry professionals at to Chapter Arts Centre this July as part of a new event.

Image: astronomy_blog

Y Gwasanaeth Ffilm/The Film Assembly is offering young directors the chance to enter short films into an event to be seen by industry figures, held on 26 July.

The event will also include a panel discussion featuring some of the Welsh film industry’s most prominent voices followed by a chance to network.

Rhiannon Allen, event director at Y Gwasanaeth Ffilm/The Film Assembly says, “As a filmmaker myself, it’s often frustrating to feel there’s no platform where you can just get your film screened. I wanted to create a friendly, relaxed space where young filmmakers in Wales can see each other’s work and meet and chat.

“It’s a competitive industry, but more importantly, it’s a collaborative one too.”

Entries are now being accepted for short films to appear at the event, including shorts from those who may not have any formal training in filmmaking. Y Gwasanaeth Ffilm/The Film Assembly doesn’t care if you’ve studied film at university or elsewhere, said Allen.

“Right now, we just need those filmmakers,” she said.

Submission is free, and all relevant information can be found on the event’s website. The deadline for submissions is 25 April 2014.