Review: Fabergé – A Life Of Its Own dir. Patrick Mark

In the second film in a week we’re covering about Russian art, we’re once again transported back in time to St Petersburg. This time around though, we’re focusing on the glory days of the imperial family, when jeweler Carl Fabergé created some of the most iconic, intricate pieces of art, still revered for their craftsmanship and value even today. Patrick Mark’s documentary examines the impact … Continue reading Review: Fabergé – A Life Of Its Own dir. Patrick Mark

Review: Mission Control – The Unsung Heroes of Apollo dir. David Fairhead

Houston, we have a problem. These lines have been echoed endlessly and we all know what happened to the astronauts on the Apollo missions through the power of Hollywood, but perhaps given less of a spotlight are the men who work tirelessly on the ground to guide Earth’s finest safely home. David Fairhead’s simple but effective documentary Mission Control is a chance for the men who worked … Continue reading Review: Mission Control – The Unsung Heroes of Apollo dir. David Fairhead

Review: Revolution – New Art For A New World dir. Margy Kinmouth

Not all revolutions are won by violence and bloodshed. Director Margy Kinmouth takes us on a journey to the beginning of both the Russian Revolution and the relatively unknown art revolution that coincided with it, tracing their history and overlaps. Starting in 1917 at the storming of the Winter Palace in St Petersburg and the abdication of Czar Nicholas, it seems only appropriate that Revolution is being … Continue reading Review: Revolution – New Art For A New World dir. Margy Kinmouth

Review: POP AYE dir. Kirsten Tan

Set in industrial Thailand, Kirsten Tan’s debut feature film is a story about Bo (Penpak Sirikul), a disillusioned architect, and his elephant. An official selection for Sundance 2017, POP AYE has earned praise and marks the first time a Singaporean has won an award at the festival. POP AYE effectively captures the essence of ritual, and took us to the base of the story of how it … Continue reading Review: POP AYE dir. Kirsten Tan

Review: Neruda dir. Pablo Larrain

When you have a figure as huge as Pablo Neruda, it seems odd that a biopic bearing his name as its title has him not as the sole protagonist, but a deuteroganist, a policeman tasked with arresting him his co-star in this film. But acclaimed Chilean director Pablo Larrain (who also directed Jackie in 2016) clearly reveals the reasons behind this in his latest scintillating film Neruda.  Luis Gnecco … Continue reading Review: Neruda dir. Pablo Larrain

Review: Gleason dir. Clay Tweel

Chronicling 5 years in the life of ex-New Orleans Saints football defensive back Steve Gleason after being diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Gleason is an intimate look at the declining health of a man who had it all and the immense love and support he receives and an incredible strength within he uses to carry on living. Gleason’s story is a heartbreaking one: the film … Continue reading Review: Gleason dir. Clay Tweel

Review: Uncertain dir. Ewan McNicol & Anna Sandilands

The small, 94 resident town of Uncertain lies discreetly hidden in the depths of Texas. In Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands’ documentary, we’re offered a glimpse at the lives of these people living on the fringe, and their tiny, self-contained community. Although completely real accounts, the three men featured in Uertain feel like they were plucked straight out of a work of fiction. Enter Wayne, a hunter … Continue reading Review: Uncertain dir. Ewan McNicol & Anna Sandilands

Review: East Side Sushi

Films about minorities only spring up every so often, so it’s worthy of a celebration whenever one does receive a release. And films about two minorities, almost unheard of. So when a film like East Side Sushi comes along, it’s almost certainly a miracle and essential viewing. East Side Sushi follows Juanna (pronounced wa-na and played by Diana Elizabeth Torres), a tough, hardworking single mother who works an … Continue reading Review: East Side Sushi

Russian Film Week 2016

The inaugural Russian Film Week has landed in London! Featuring over 20 films across multiple cinemas, the Russian Film Week is aimed to showcase the very best of new Russian cinema, as well as shows about Russia. The festival will also feature masterclasses and workshops in film by various figures in Russia cinema, from directors to writers, as well as musical performances and exhibitions across … Continue reading Russian Film Week 2016

SGIFF Review: Mrs K+Red Carpet

Mrs K only received a single screening this year at the 27th Singapore International film festival, but oh what a night it was. With a red carpet evening at the iconic and historic Capitol Theatre, Singapore welcomed the stars of Mrs K: veteran Hong Kong martial arts actress Kara Wai, Taiwanese rocker Wu Bai and Malaysian newcomer Siow Li Xuan, alongside director Ho Yuhang. Mrs K was screened as the … Continue reading SGIFF Review: Mrs K+Red Carpet