Month: July 2017

‘Life-affirming and innovative’ film comes to Edinburgh

A ‘life-affirming and innovative’ film comes to Edinburgh

“Breathtakingly beautiful” – The Guardian   –   “Viewing should be compulsory” – The Mail

104 Sara Daqdaq

Summer in the Forest is the surprise success story of the summer’s documentary releases and this week makes its debut at Edinburgh’s Cameo Picturehouse. 

This is a contemplative indie film that stands apart in our frenetic times.  Its stars, who have intellectual disabilities, know something we don’t.  Something that will change our lives.

Summer in the Forest focuses on the lives of Philippe, Michel, Andre and Patrick – once labelled idiots and locked away in violent asylums – and the philosopher Jean Vanier, whose life and work has transformed their lives, and his.  Together they created L’Arche, a commune at the edge of a beautiful forest near Paris, and a quiet revolution was born.

Director Randall Wright says: “In a confusing power crazed world here is a place that makes surprising sense.  To paraphrase Jean Vanier, it may not be a utopia but it certainly offers hope to us all.”

Now in 30 cinemas, most of which are extending their runs, Summer in the Forest has attracted universal praise and tens of thousands of supporters, running for four straight weeks at a major West End cinema.

Reviewers have commended its “unparalleled calibre”, “poetic appreciation of humanity”, and its “joyously uplifting” tone, with a “the power to change lives”.
Producer Richard Wilson adds: “This is a life-affirming film that offers an alternative to our confrontational on-line world and the relentless pursuit of power and wealth. We hope the film gives people a connection with our common humanity.”

Randall’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed and award-winning film Hockney showcases compelling story-telling at its best. It offers us a beautifully-paced and magical glimpse of a reality where there is friendship, hope and wisdom to be found; if we just take the time to slow down and listen.

Summer in the Forest screens at the Picturehouse on Thurs 13th July 2.10pm & 6.00pm, Fri 14th July 4.10pm, Sat 15th July 4.10pm, Sun 16th July 4.10pm, Mon 17th July 4.10pm, Weds 19th July 4.10pm, and Thurs 20th July 4.10pm.

See https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Cameo_Picturehouse/film/summer-in-the-forest for further details. Box office 0871 902 5723.

Letters: Remember, remember

Dear Editor,

After years of relentless hostility to the Labour Party and in particular to Jeremy Corbyn, under rules for the election campaign equal coverage had to be given. Up to that point the Tories thought they had successfully destroyed both and the election would be a walkover.

When the Labour Party policies were able to be presented clearly to the people with
their intention to end the continuing disastrous Tory cuts in social services and
the value of wages the people listened and liked it. They also understood the only way to do this was to vote, and they did in their hundreds and hundreds of
thousands .just a whisker away from defeating the Tories and all they stand for
all they have done to us, and intend to do.

The anti Labour/ Jeremy Corbyn has already started again, hoping people will again
fall for it: we just have to remember what the Tories have done to us over 7 years.

A. Delahoy,
Silverknowes Gardens, Edinburgh

To Leith from Leith Walk: Malcolm opens new surgery

Former health minister Malcolm Chisholm was on hand to help open the new £1.17m Leith Surgery on Thursday. Malcolm was an obvious choice – as well as representing North and Leith at both Holyrood and Westminster, Malcolm has also been registered at the Leith Walk surgery for forty years!

Up to 2,000 more patients will be added to the surgery list as a result of the move which will provide a modern and fit-for-purpose facility. Continue reading To Leith from Leith Walk: Malcolm opens new surgery

Scotland Women prepare for Euro 2017 with nutrition workshop at Edinburgh College

Scotland’s Women’s National Football Team swapped football boots for aprons when they attended a workshop on cooking and nutrition at the Edinburgh College campus on Granton Waterfront ahead of their appearance at UEFA Women’s Euro 2017. Continue reading Scotland Women prepare for Euro 2017 with nutrition workshop at Edinburgh College

NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007

Scottish NHS Boards commit nearly £8 billion to tackle mental health services over decade

Latest figures have revealed that NHS Lothian spending on mental health services has totalled over £1 billion since 2007. Local MSP Ben Macpherson says the figures show the SNP’s commitment to supporting those with mental health issues since the party came to power a decade ago. Continue reading NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007

Teachers’ report on effects of poverty makes ‘shocking reading’

Teaching union the EIS has today  formally launched a summary report of a member survey on the impact of poverty in education. The survey was designed to gauge members’ perceptions of how poverty arising from cuts to social security benefits, poor wages and insecurity of employment, is impacting in the classroom.   Continue reading Teachers’ report on effects of poverty makes ‘shocking reading’

Lights, camera … Granton!

Granton Primary School film premieres in Paris

Granton Primary School teacher Avril Whelan runs an after school Film Club with P6’s and P7’s. The children have made four films – one of which premiered in Paris last month! In the week before the holidays the children staged a French themed event to present their fabulous films to their parents.  Continue reading Lights, camera … Granton!