Tag: film

Taiwan Film Festival is back with Disruptions & Transformations

Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh returns for its second edition between 25 and 31 October with a fantastic range of Taiwanese cinema gems, many of them UK premieres, dating from the 1930s up to 2020, presented through in-person screenings and digital talks at Glasgow Film Theatre and Summerhall in Edinburgh and a free digital programme of films.

With the theme of Disruptions and Transformations, inspired by the fast-changing and unsettling world in the past few years, the Festival explores both the monumental historic shifts the Taiwanese society experienced over the decades but also portrays the seemingly small disruptions of the everyday.

Featuring the work of legends such as Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang, and exploring topics such as war, urban life and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, the free programme of digital screenings is now available to pre-book on the Festival’s digital platform. Access is limited to a specific number of viewers per film so audiences are advised to book early.

For the first time, the Festival also presents a range of in-person screenings. As part of their special climate-focused strand in the run up to COP26, Glasgow Film Theatre will host a screening of two environmental documentaries showing how Taiwanese filmmakers address environmental transformations caused by economic and industrial progress – after all, the climate emergency is the ultimate change and interruption we all must respond to together.

On 25 October, Sacred Forest (2019) will delve deep into the majestic cypress forest in Taiwan and on 30 October, Whale Island (2020) will explore how the ocean might become our home one day. Tickets on sale soon.

Sounds in Silence is a double bill of silent cinema gems offering an extraordinary glimpse into the everyday lives of Taiwanese people in the early and mid-20th century, presented at Summerhall on 27 October and featuring new score from acclaimed composer and musician Lim Giong and live music by Glasgow-based experimental musician Rory Green. With contemporary film scoring featuring on the archive films from decades ago, the event is going to take audience on a trip through time to Taiwan in the 1930s and 1960s.

The tickets available here.

Liu Kuan-Ping, Chief Curator at the Festival, said: “I am really excited that for the first time, Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh is bringing three in-person screenings taking place at two fantastic arts institutions: Glasgow Film Theatre and Summerhall – all exploring Disruptions and Transformations on a macro and micro scale.

“I cannot wait to meet our audience face to face, with facial masks on of course. We are also pleased to be back with an inspired programme of free digital screenings this year available to nationwide audiences.

“We would like to thank the Ministry of Culture in Taiwan, our generous sponsor, as well as our partners Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute who have been instrumental in securing some of the cinematic gems we are now able to share with our UK audiences.”

Telling us the inspiration of the theme, one of the co-curators, Chiu Yi-Chieh said: “On 23 March 2020, all of our lives were interrupted in unimaginable ways by the global pandemic- it was precisely at that time that the Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh was born.

“It made us reflect on how changes and interruptions are always present in our daily lives. When we were making the selection, we wanted to encourage audiences to look beyond the canons and fall in love with films that are overdue the world’s applause.

“We welcome audiences’ own interpretative grouping by putting all films under the theme of Disruptions and Transformations without the conventional curatorial classification.”

Head of Taipei Representative Office UK Cultural Division, Dr Chen Pin-Chuan said: “It is great to see Taiwan Film Festival Edinburgh continuing the great work. Through these wonderful films from Taiwan, we hope to establish connections with Scottish audiences, and will introduce more cultural and arts programs to Scotland in the near future.”

2021 TAIWAN FILM FESTIVAL EDINBURGH PROGRAMME

IN-PERSON SCREENINGS in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Sacred Forest 神殿| Ke Ching-Yuan| 2019 | 60 mins

In-person screening on 25 October at Glasgow Film Theatre; tickets on sale soon.

Sacred Forest takes an eco-philosophical approach to introduce the deeply unique nature of Taiwan’s cloud enveloped cypress forest ecosystems and to explore the nation’s oldest forests, tallest tree species, and priceless, multi-millennial stands of giant ‘sacred trees’. Sacred Forest follows six separate groups, each with different interests and field specialties, as they experience the raw majesty of the forest from multiple facets ranging from the analytically intellectual to the introspectively emotional and spiritually uplifting.

The screening will also feature a special introduction from the film director, Ke Ching-yuan.

Whale Island 男人與他的海 | Huang Jia Jun| 2020 | 108 mins | UK Premiere

In-person screening on 30 October at Glasgow Film Theatre; tickets on sale soon.

Taiwan is an island. Although it is surrounded by the sea, its people fear the sea since the history and the religious beliefs held on this island make people turn their backs to the sea. ​Oceanic literature author Liao Hung-chi and underwater photographer Ray Chin lead the audience out to the sea and into the water. They prompt us to understand the sea and to think about the possibility that the ocean might become our lives and the future of our living land. 

The screening will also feature a special introduction from the film director, Huang Jia-jun

Sounds in Silence double bill at 6.30pm on 27 October in Summerhall, Edinburgh; also online 28-31 Oct on Festival website.

A Morning in Taipei 臺北之晨 | Pai Jing-jui | 1964 | 20 mins | UK Premiere

Director Pai Jing-jui’s 1964 short documentary depicts a modern, industrious Taipei full of diverse and determined individuals as they perform their morning routines.  People begin their workday, actors prepare for a theatrical performance, and children play in the schoolyard; the day is full of wonder and possibility.

A pre-recorded conversation between Chen Chia-Huei (co-creator of the new score and sound for A Morning in Taipei and the art consultant and Head of Education at the Taiwan Sound Lab) and musician Rory Green will be screened after A Morning in Taipei.

Deng Nan-guang’s 8mm Movies 鄧南光8mm家庭電影| Deng Nan-guang| 1935-1941| 57 mins| UK Premiere

Deng Nan-Guang’s 57-minute collection of intimate home-style videos, filmed between 1935 and 1941, captures an overlooked side of Taiwanese life under Japanese occupation.  The films serve as a well-preserved time portal to a bygone era, offering a glimpse of life in Taiwan under colonial rule in the lead up to the Second World War. Screened to a live music score from a Glasgow-based experimental musician Rory Green.

DIGITAL SCREENINGS on the Festival website between 25 and 31 October 

The Best Secret Agent 天字第一號 | Chang Ying | 1964 | 102 mins

The first Taiwanese-language spy film produced in Taiwan; The Best Secret Agent is a remake of the 1945 movie of the same name that caused a sensation in Shanghai.  During the Sino-Japanese War, Tsui-Ying flees with her father from the Japanese occupation. She meets a young man, Ling-Yun, and falls in love. In the meantime, Special Agent 001 leads the resistance against the Japanese.

Foolish Bride, Naive Bridegroom 三八新娘憨子婿| Hsin Chi | 1967 | 101 mins

The parents of two young lovers meet to discuss the possibility of their marriage, only to discover that they themselves were lovers 30 years ago.

Dangerous Youth 危險的青春 | Hsin Chi | 1969 | 95 mins

Khue-guan (Shi Ying), a penniless delivery boy for a cosmetics company, meets Tsing-bi (Zheng Xiao-fen), a young and charming waitress, in awkward circumstances just as his girlfriend leaves him for a wealthy suitor.  Khue-guan is intrigued by Tsing-bi and tries to get her another job after meeting Giok-sian (Gao Xing-zhi), who runs a cabaret.  Eventually, she finds out that her new job is as an escort to a lonely, elderly millionaire named Mr. Tshi.

The Homecoming Pilgrimage of Dajia Mazu  大甲媽祖回娘家| Huang Chun-ming | 1975 | 27 mins | UK Premiere

Viewers are transported back in time to 1974 to see the annual Taoist celebration of the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. Thousands of participants accompany a statue of the goddess Mazu on a 9-day, 8-night procession, stopping at several prominent temples along the way.

Taipei Story 青梅竹馬 | Edward Yang | 1985 | 115 mins

A headstrong and financially-secure woman, Chin (played by Chin Tsai), is anxious to move forward in life and escape from the dissatisfaction and pain caused by family troubles, urban alienation, a lack of job security, tumultuous friendships, and a distant past of baseball glory to which her boyfriend, Lung (Hou Hsiao-hsien), so desperately clings. Chin thinks moving to America may be the solution, but as time goes by, it becomes increasingly clear that may not fix all her problems.

Dust in the Wind 戀戀風塵 | Hou Hsiao-Hsien | 1986 | 109 mins

Dust in the Wind is a coming-of-age love story about two young individuals, Wan and Huen, from the Taiwanese mining village of Jio-fen.  Their hope is to make enough money to be able to get married one day, believing like everyone else that they are meant for each other.  Despite what fate may seem to have in store for them, they cannot help but care deeply for one another.

Peony Birds 牡丹鳥 | Huang Yu-shan| 1990 | 107 mins | UK Premiere

A multi-generational story about the troubled relationship between a mother and a daughter: from when she was a young child to adulthood and her joining her mother in the busy Taipei of the 80s and 90s and pursuing a career of her own. 

Also available on the Festival’s digital platform will be a Q&A session with director Huang Yu-shan.

Hill of no Return 無言的山丘 | Wang Tung | 1992 | 175 mins

This 1992 drama, set in 1927, tells the tale of two brothers, Chu and Wei, who leave home following the death of their parents to work at a Japanese-occupied gold mine in the remote, poverty-stricken town of Jiou-fen in the northeast of Taiwan.  The brothers dream of one day becoming rich and owning their own land and, taken in by the gold rush, they endure back-breaking labour for little reward. They then both fall deeply in love with partners that risk to complicate their lives even further.

Also available on the Festival’s digital platform will be a Q&A session with director Wang Tung.

The Personals 徵婚啓事 | Chen Kuo-Fu | 1998 | 105 mins

Du Jia-zhen is a 29-year-old eye doctor at a hospital, who decides to quit her job and find a husband. She places a personal ad in the newspaper, searching for a potential match to distract herself from recent heartbreak.  The film depicts the urban dating scene of Taipei in the 1990s in all of its absurdity and hideousness, conveying humour through humiliation and evoking sympathy for the strangest people.

Splendid Float 豔光四射歌舞團 | Zero Zhou | 2004 | 73 mins

An aesthetically stunning, lightly humorous, and dramatic film that confronts traditional gender roles and explores the themes of conformity, grief, acceptance, personal struggle, and identity. A Taoist priest named Xiao Qiang-wei (James Chen) doubles as a drag queen by the name of Rose that performs at various nightlife venues.

Closing Time 打烊時刻 | Nicole Vogele | 2018 | 116 mins

Swiss filmmaker Nicole Vogele’s documentary Closing Time captures the calm after the storm of midnight living. The film draws attention to the quiet, fatigued period that follows the hustle and bustle of Taipei’s vibrant city life and the night shift workers that keep the city awake well into the early hours of the next day.

Edinburgh Napier student’s film showcased at prestigious film festival

A film which won a prize in this year’s prestigious Gaelic Film Festival, FilmG, has been screened at a prestigious Film Festival in Glasgow which celebrates emerging filmmakers.

John Nicholson (22) from Bearsden, won Most Promising New Director at the FilmG awards in March for his film Bròn, and it was selected to be shown at the Assumption Studios short film showcase at SWG3 in Glasgow in July.

The film incorporates a dark atmosphere and clever writing to centre on the feeling of isolation – a topic many of us can relate to following this past year’s circumstances. 

Bròn tells the story of two brothers that drifted apart who finally confront each other and their past. It then comes to light that after a freak accident one of the brothers had killed their father and lived with the guilt for all those years.

Speaking about his success, John said: “To think that I’ve only just started out and my short film has won an award and has been screened at a festival gives me the inspiration and the hunger to create more films and be even more creative.

“I really enjoyed writing and directing my own film which was made better by the chance to include my Gaelic.”

John’s passion for filmmaking began when he got the chance to do some work experience for BBC ALBA and he discovered he had a talent for directing and writing scripts.

A recent graduate from Edinburgh Napier University, the talented young filmmaker studied a BA (Hons) in Television, after previously studying at Glasgow College.

John grew up in Glasgow and attended Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu (Glasgow Gaelic School) Primary and Secondary, where he immersed himself in learning through the Gaelic language.

Debbie MacKay, FilmG Project Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for John. We hope to see many films from him in the future and look forward to tracking what we believe to be a very promising career.”

This year’s FilmG competition will be launching soon, with this year’s theme announced on social media as ‘Lorg’ (Find).

Watch John Nicholson’s film Bròn on the FilmG Website.

Scottish Premiere of Mark Cousins’ new film The Story of Looking at Edinburgh Filmhouse

Sunday 29 August also marks the launch of the ultimate Mark Cousins collection on Filmhouse @ Home

  • Edinburgh Filmhouse hosts a special screening of Mark Cousins’ latest film The Story of Looking on Sunday 29 August at 7.30pm, followed by an in-person Q&A with director Mark Cousins.
  • The Story of Looking is being released UK-wide on Friday 17 Sept by Modern Films.
  • Scottish premiere of The Story of Looking at Filmhouse on Sunday 29 August marks the launch of the ultimate Mark Cousins collection on Filmhouse @ Home

Described by Variety as “An uplifting meditation on the power of looking”, Mark Cousins explores the role that visual experience plays in our individual and collective lives as he prepares for surgery to restore his vision.

In a deeply personal meditation on the power of looking in his own life, he guides us through the riches of the visible world, a kaleidoscope of extraordinary imagery across cultures and eras.

At a time when we are more assailed by images than ever, he reveals how looking makes us who we are, lying at the heart of the human experience, empathy, discovery and thought. He shares the pleasure and pain of seeing the world, in all its complexity and contradiction, with eyes wide open.

As the Covid-19 pandemic brings another dramatic shift of perspective, he reaches out to the other lookers for their vision from lockdown, and travels to the future to consider how his looking life will continue to develop until the very end. 

“A rich cinematic journey into the art of seeing and how it connects us with culture, ourselves and each other” Time Out

https://www.filmhousecinema.com/showing/story-looking

The ultimate Mark Cousins collection on Filmhouse @ Home includes 13 films:

The First Movie (w/d/dp, 81 m, 2009)

The Story of Film: An Odyssey (w/d/dp, 930 m, 2011)

What is this Film Called Love? (w/d/dp, 75 m, 2012) a personal film about Mexico City and Sergei Eisenstein

Here be Dragons (w/d/dp 76 mins, 2013) About Albania 

A Story of Children and Film (w/d/dp, 101 m, 2013)

Life May Be (co-w/co-d/co-dp with Mania Akbari, 80 m, 2014) Cine-letters

6 Desires: DH Lawrence and Sardinia (w/d/dp, 83 m, 2014)

I am Belfast (w/d/co-dp, 86 m, 2015) A city film, co-shot by Christopher Doyle 

Atomic (d, 72 mins, 2015) A montage film, with a new score by Mogwai

Stockholm My Love (w/d, co-dp 2016) City musical, with Neneh Cherry

The Eyes of Orson Welles (w/d/dp, 100 mins, 2018)

Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema (w/d 15 hrs, 2020)

The Story of Looking (w/d/dp, 87 mins, 2021)

Mark Cousins said: “For 36 years, Filmhouse has been my local cinema, my education, my escape and consolation, so I LOVE the idea that it will host my movies on Filmhouse at Home. 

“I’ve been a passionate filmmaker for three decades.  Many of my films have been influenced by what I’ve seen in Filmhouse.  Now, for the first time, many of them are in one place.  I’m humbled, as are my many collaborators – editor, producers, sound designers, composers and graphics artists – in Edinburgh, Scotland and further afield.  Thank you from all of us.”

Rod White, Head of Programming at Filmhouse said: “What a twin pleasure it is to have Mark with us once again in person to discuss his latest film, The Story of Looking, ahead of its national release, AND be instrumental in bringing together all his feature film work to date in the one place – that being our streaming site Filmhouse @ Home – for new audiences to enjoy.

“We’re especially pleased and proud to be able to support a filmmaker who’s been such a strong supporter of Filmhouse over the years.”

The Story of Looking is supported by the National Lottery via Creative Scotland.

EIFF Special Event this Friday: Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that the 74th edition will host a unique and inclusive celebration of being yourself at Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

The free, hour-long event in St Andrew Square at 6pm on Friday 20 August will kick off with drag queen entertainment and cocktails.

Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits. It takes place immediately ahead of the eagerly awaited Special Preview of the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Compere Alice Rabbit  – Edinburgh’s Most Wanted drag queen, Mother of the Hoose of Rabbit, reigning queen of Edinburgh’s legendary regular Tuesday night drag explosion, The Rabbit Hole and all-round drag powerhouse – has found time in her busy, “booked and blessed” schedule to, whilst running her sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut ‘Alice Rabbit’s AYE-Cons’, bring the beautiful crowd of  Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie an hour of local legends, live singing and legendary looks. 

Joining Alice Rabbit is Jamie Campbell, and his mother Margaret who will make a special star appearance at St Andrew Square.

Also on the bill is Scotland’s lioness, Lady Rampant! This high-heeled activist uses her two law degrees to influence her performances and frequently works with third sector organisations, the Scottish press and politicians advocating for equality.

As such, she won Best Political Queen at the Glasgow Drag Awards 2020. Talent, humour and intelligence all wrapped into one, she has earned her spot as Scottish Drag Royalty.

Although pre-booked tickets for the event are sold out, we will allow free un-ticketed entry to all screenings by walk-up on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability of space. On arrival, please make your way to the ‘Event Entrance’ located on the south-west corner of St Andrew Square.

The film will have its Special Preview screening at the Festival Theatre – a ‘coming home’ of sorts – where the stage musical was the last show to play before the March 2020 lockdown. The screening is now sold out.

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen.

His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mum (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance.

But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be released exclusively on Prime Video on 17th September 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

St Andrew Square is also the home of Film Fest in the City, delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh and supported by Johnnie Walker, EIFF’s Official Whisky Partner, Innis & Gunn, EIFF’s Official Beer Partner, and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. 

The full programme is available on www.edfilmfest.org.uk

#EdFilmFest

EIFF presents the world premiere of PRINCE OF MUCK – screening across Scotland on 19 August

Lawrence MacEwen milking Cow. Copyright all Stills as de Productie and Faction North ©2021

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that it will screen the World Premiere of Prince of Muck – set on the tiny inhabited island of Muck, off Scotland’s west coast, Cindy Jansen’s cinematic and haunting documentary explores how difficult it is to change the habits of a lifetime.

On Thursday 19 August the World Premiere at Edinburgh International Film Festival will simultaneously see the film screened in around 12 locations across Scotland from Edinburgh to Lerwick, Tiree to Tobermory and Inverness to Glasgow.

Lawrence MacEwen, who turns 80 years old this weekend, has farmed the Isle of Muck since the late 1960s. With his family he has created a rural retreat, perhaps out of time with the rapid transformations of the world around it. Revered for his eco-conscious stewardship in the 1970s, Lawrence now finds himself stubbornly battling to preserve his vision of the island for the next generation.

Dutch filmmaker Cindy Jansen captures a uniquely cinematic portrait of a place and a person haunted by the past and struggling to maintain their relevance for the future.     

Prince of Muck is one of three films which will screen simultaneously at locations across Scotland as part of EIFF’s vision to play an active role in bringing cinema audiences back together across the country.

Partnering with independent cinemas and working in partnership with Film Hub Scotland, INDY Cinema Group and Regional Screen Scotland, fantastic films secured as part of EIFF will be shown in local cinemas including the opening film, the European Premiere of Pig starring Nicolas Cage at his melancholy best, and the Festival’s closing film, the UK Premiere of Here Today, directed and starring the disarmingly charming Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish. 

Full details of screening locations will be released with the programme on 28 July but include Mareel Shetland, Tiree Isle of Tiree, Screen Machine Tobermory and Fort Augustus, Glasgow Film Theatre, Oban Phoenix, Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling, Eden Court Inverness, DCA Dundee, Heart of Hawick, Belmont Filmhouse Aberdeen, Birks Cinema Aberfeldy – and the home of EIFF, Filmhouse in Edinburgh.

Prince of Muck and the Scotland wide screenings of these three EIFF films is supported by the Scottish Government’s Festival’s EXPO Fund.

Filmmaker Cindy Jansen said: “I first went to the Isle of Muck with an open curiosity, but quickly became fascinated by the complex nature of the way in which everyone on the island is interdependent.  

“It made me think deeply about my own society, here in Holland, but I knew that in Muck, I had the opportunity to study the fragile balance between tradition and modernity in an entire ‘micro society’.  

“In Lawrence MacEwen, I found an engaging character, who is not only deeply embedded in the community, but who transcends the history of the island, as he struggles to accept that intergenerational change is profoundly challenging, but inevitable.  

“It is wonderful that the film will premiere at EIFF in Scotland, close to its home ground.  I feel it is a great compliment to the people in the film and the team who made it happen, in Scotland and here in The Netherlands.”

Rohan Crickmar, Documentary Programme Consultant for EIFF said: “Quite simply it is a celebration of the Scottish landscape and its people that focuses on the need to renew and evolve heritage and tradition to preserve a sense of community.

“It will allow you to see a part of Scotland rarely documented, and in a strikingly different way which highlights cultural commonalities across Europe’s northlands.”

Ken Hay, CEO of EIFF said: “EIFF is delighted to be working with partner venues across Scotland in our celebration of the communal cinema experience with the simultaneous screening of Prince of Muck, along with our opening film, Pig and our closing film, Here Today.

“These will be special moments for the festival and the filmmakers, but most importantly for audiences across the country. Huge thanks to the Scottish Government and the Festivals Expo Fund for supporting this initiative.”

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said:  “The Edinburgh International Film Festival excels in showcasing Scotland, and this year is no exception.  

“The World Premiere of Scottish-made documentary Prince of Muck – one of three films to be simultaneously screened in locations across Scotland during the festival – will bring audiences back together to see our nation through different eyes, celebrating its landscapes, its people and the importance of community.  

“I am pleased that £50,000 of funding from the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund has contributed to the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s innovative development of this communal cinema experience, so that these films can be enjoyed nationwide.”

Screen Scotland’s Mark Thomas said: “This beautifully cinematic portrait of an island and a family in transition is the result of a strong European co-production between Scotland-based production company Faction North and Dutch company De Productie, coming together to realise director Cindy Jansen’s vision.

“Thanks to the Festival’s work with venues and cinemas, it’s fantastic that audiences across Scotland will have the opportunity to see the film simultaneously this summer.”

Prince of Muck was supported by The National Lottery and the Scottish Government through Screen Scotland’s Film Development and Production Fund.

#PrinceofMuck   

More information: 

http://www.factionnorth.com/project/prince-of-muck/

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/578045470

Pig will be exclusively released in cinemas nationwide by Altitude Film Distribution on 20 August 2021.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4nRpdONaAA

Here Today will be released by Sony Pictures Releasing UK, and will be in cinemas nationwide on 3rd September 2021

#HereTodayMovie.  Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/ti8awH6W0Ws

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

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Black Widow passes the Bechdel Test … but which Hollywood heroes have failed?

  • More than a third of films over the past decade fail test for representing female characters
  • More than a quarter of movies released in 2021 and assessed on bechdeltest.com failed to meet the test’s requirements
  • Of the films assessed in 2016, 43.6% failed the Bedchel Test – the highest rate in the last ten years
  • Some of the past decade’s highest-grossing films, such as The Avengers, Monsters University and Bad Boys For Life have all failed the test

More than a third of major films of the past decade have failed to pass a basic test for representing female characters, a new study has found.

To mark the release of Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, gambling community hub CasinoGrounds analysed how many popular films from the past decade pass the Bechdel test, which means the movie or media must have two named female characters, who talk to each other about something other than a man.

Collecting user-submitted data from bechdeltest.com, the study shows that over the past 10 years, more than a third of the 1118 films assessed on the site have failed the test – a total of 36.4%.

Of the 33 films assessed so far during 2021, nine have failed the test, a total of 27% – including A Quiet Place Part II and F9: The Fast Saga. This figure is currently higher than the total from 2020, in which 21.5% of films measured failed to meet all three of the test’s requirements.

The two lowest performing years over the past decade were 2014 and 2016, in which 40.7% and 43.6% of the films assessed failed to achieve a passing “grade”.

Bechdel Test – Failure rates over past 10 years

Year of releaseNo. of movies assessed by Bechdeltest.comNumber of failed moviesPercentage of failed movies
201137213937.7%
201235212635.8%
201341314330.4%
201439015940.7%
201533212637.9%
201632514243.6%
20172709033.3%
20182388234.4%
20192297732.2%
20201162521.5%
202133927.2%

Assessing the five highest-grossing films of each year from the past decade, there are four years in which all five films pass the test – 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Last year, only two of the year’s five highest-grossing films passed – Sonic The Hedgehog and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

Perhaps some of the most surprising failures from the past decade come from the most renowned movie franchises – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Monsters University and Jumanji: The Next Level each failed to tick all three boxes of the test.

And although Black Widow passes the Bechdel test, Marvel Studios’ 2012 epic The Avengers – which also saw Scarlett Johansson assuming the role of Natasha Romanov – did not.

Commenting on the study’s findings, a spokesperson of CasinoGrounds stated: “With more emphasis being placed on the importance of gender quality in recent years, it is encouraging to see films like Black Widow leading the charge in creating strong female characters in Hollywood.

“There are certainly some surprising passing entries from the highest grossing films, and some equally surprising failures. Hopefully, the future holds even more positive representation of women in film and media overall”.

Casinogrounds.com is the leading online gambling community, which promotes safe and responsible practise and discussions around gambling.

EIFF presents a Special Preview screening of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Edinburgh International Film Festival is delighted to announce that the 74th edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival will host a unique screening of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The film will have its Special Preview screening at the Festival Theatre – a ‘coming home’ of sorts – where the stage musical was the last show to play before the March 2020 lockdown.

On Friday 20 August, the EIFF screening which will be accessed by the public using an EIFF first ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ model will be preceded by a unique and inclusive outdoor celebration event in St Andrew Square Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

EIFF is also delighted to reveal that Jamie Campbell and his mother Margaret, the subjects of the original documentary that inspired the musical will be attending the screening and festivities.

Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mom (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance.

But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colourful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

In true Jamie style Edinburgh International Film Festival is inviting everybody to an event to celebrate being themself at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie.

The evening will kick off with drag queen entertainment and cocktails. Those dressed to impress will be in with a chance of prizes for the best outfits.

Tickets are free to Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie and must be booked in addition to tickets to the Special Preview screening at Festival Theatre.

The iconic Edinburgh square will also be home to EIFF’s Film Fest in the City, a series of free outdoor screenings delivered in partnership with Essential Edinburgh.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie stars newcomer Max Harwood, Sarah Lancashire, Lauren Patel, Shobna Gulati, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar, Samuel Bottomley, with Sharon Horgan and Richard E. Grant.

The stage production’s director, Jonathan Butterell, makes his feature-film debut as director, with screenplay and lyrics by Tom MacRae, songs by Dan Gillespie Sells and a score composed by Sells and Anne Dudley. Mark Herbert, p.g.a., Peter Carlton, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan are producing, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, Peter Balm, Niall Shamma and Jes Wilkins serving as executive producers.

The film features hit songs from the stage show including ‘And You Don’t Even Know It’, ‘The Wall In My Head’ and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ as well as an exclusive new song ‘This Was Me’, performed by Holly Johnson, lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

The original musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has quickly become one the most beloved musicals of recent years.

Premiering at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, before transferring to London’s Apollo Theatre, the production was an overnight success amongst audiences and critics, receiving rave reviews and garnering five Olivier Award nominations.

The show was also honoured at the UK Theatre Awards with Best Musical Production, with its star John McCrea named Best Musical Performer.

The stage show joyfully reopened its doors in May 2021 in London’s Apollo Theatre – the first musical in the West End to do so, before the UK tour recommences in September 2021 visiting 24 UK cities including Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre again from Tuesday 29 March to Saturday 2 April 2022.

Jonathan Butterell, Director of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie said: “I am thrilled to be presenting Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Edinburgh International Film Festival as a Special Preview, a city that early spring last year, just before the national lockdown, embraced the stage musical so enthusiastically!

“I am also delighted to hear about the plans for Edinburgh’s Talking About Jamie celebrations and cannot wait to see Edinburgh putting its best frock on and get singing!”

Nick Varley, Lead Guest Programmer of Edinburgh International Film Festival added: “Has Sheffield ever looked so glamourous? Everyone’s Talking About Jamie has all the ingredients of a classic feel good musical, proving that being yourself and following your dream always triumphs over adversity.

“After a year of lockdowns we all need a reason to have fun and Jamie provides it in spades. We are delighted to present it as our Special Preview screening.”

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be exclusively released on Prime Video on 17th September 2021.

Join the Facebook event here.

The 74th edition of EIFF runs from 18 – 25 August 2021. The full programme will be announced on 28 July 2021.

#EdFilmFest

See It On Screen launches with free Double Bill Premiere

Outdoor screening of two short films at The Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge

Scotland’s newest independent film production company, See It On Screen, launches today with the announcement of a summer premiere of its first two short films, Ice Melts and Out Of Town.

The films will be premiered at an outdoor screening at The Neighbourgood Market at Edinburgh Accies Rugby Club on Thursday 22nd July at 7pm.

Both films, Ice Melts (10 minutes) and Out Of Town (20 minutes), are original short stories written and directed by Archie Middleton, an Edinburgh-based graduate of MetFilm School in London, and have harnessed local and emerging talent and crews to create the finished films.

Archie said: “These films are my first published works as a professional and I am immensely proud of each and every member of the cast and crew who were involved in creating them.  It demonstrates clearly that there is real talent and ability all around us which just needs a chance to prosper.”

And See It On Screen is determined to continue unearthing new talent, give it the exposure it deserves and, with it, access to the film industry.

Hester Middleton, founder of See It On Screen and producer of both films, explained “We are committed to the idea that talent can be found anywhere and recognised on sight.  Archie has brought around him a team of dedicated individuals, all of whom are passionate about storytelling in film, some with film qualifications and some without.

“Our aim is to build a community of film-interested friends and supporters, and to create opportunities to work in film for those who would not otherwise have access. We won’t charge anyone to see our films, but we do hope that they will inspire our audience and other benefactors to support our future projects through donations.”

Ambika Okhandiar, Event Director of The Neighbourgood Market, added: “We are delighted to be hosting See It On Screen’s premiere event! It’s great to be playing our part in launching this ambitious and worthy venture within local cinema.

“We have had a successful festival this year, including screenings of Euro 2020 and Wimbledon.  We’re excited to host this premiere and we look forward to meeting the cast and crew and welcoming all film fans. I am sure they will all enjoy sampling the amazing food and drink options that The Neighbourgood Market has to offer.”

Event Details:

See It On Screen Presents

Double Bill Premiere of “Ice Melts” and “Out Of Town”

7pm Thursday 22nd July

The Neighbourgood Market

Edinburgh Accies RFC

Portgower Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Rhythm of Life: Celebrities back COVID-19 vaccination programme

  • The star-studded film is released today ahead of the NHS’s 73rd birthday celebrating the success of the vaccination programme to support the easing of restrictions
  • Everyone aged 18 and over is eligible to get a vaccine and people are urged to get their second doses
  • Watch the film

Celebrities including Jim Broadbent and David Walliams have joined forces to encourage everyone to get their coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in a new uplifting film released today.  

Set to the toe-tapping tune The Rhythm of Life, written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, from the 1966 classic musical, Sweet Charity, and donated by the Cy Coleman estate, the heart-warming film will celebrate the success of the vaccination programme in supporting the easing of restrictions as outlined in the roadmap.

Conceived and directed by Josie Rourke, the former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, the short film, written by Rourke and James Graham, is being released ahead of the NHS’s 73rd birthday.

It first sees Jim Broadbent enter an empty theatre before a star-studded cast of David Walliams, Asa Butterfield, Colin Salmon, Derek Jacobi, Don Warrington, Nicola Roberts, Russel Tovey, Sandra Marvin and West End dancers – dressed in iconic NHS blue – take to the stage to passionately perform the song

In-between the dancing, Asa Butterfield calls on viewers to “get that vaccine”, Don Warrington advocates “I’ve had mine!” and Jim Broadbent delivers the final “just get that vaccine” concluding plea to encourage people to play their part in getting us back to the ‘rhythm of life’. 

The film was produced by Charles Finch and Peregrine Kitchener-Fellowes at Standalone Pictures.

Comedian, writer and actor David Walliams said: “The NHS has done an absolutely fantastic job rolling out COVID-19 vaccines at such speed and, as we do in the film, I want to implore everyone to get their vaccine when called, so we can get back to the all-singing, all-dancing, rhythm of life that we love.“

Actor Jim Broadbent said: “The film gave us the chance to show our appreciation and celebration for the vaccine roll-out in the best way we know how. 

“Thank you to the millions who have already received their vaccinations and please ‘just get your vaccine’ to the rest. Vaccines are helping us get back to everything we love and every industry – including the arts – couldn’t be more grateful to each and every person for getting their vaccine.”

The film follows the launch of a national campaign urging people to get their vaccine and join the millions of people who have already received their jabs, as ‘every vaccination gives us hope’.  

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines save lives so it is fantastic to see some of our most beloved stars in entertainment back the vital vaccination roll-out, which is helping this country fight this pandemic.

“The evidence is clear: the vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones, so if you get the call do not delay in booking your appointment as we do everything we can to get back to normal life.”

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms and even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus to others.

In June, the Prime Minister announced that second doses for all over 40s will be accelerated by reducing the dosing interval from 12 weeks to 8 weeks.

The move follows advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has considered the latest available evidence and has recommended reducing the dosing interval to counter the threat of new variants of concern. 

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “I’m extremely humbled every day when I see how many people are booking and receiving their jabs, joining the millions of adults who have already received theirs, as the country continues to play its part in helping us defeat this virus. 

“Vaccines have prevented an estimated 7.2 million infections and 27,000 deaths in England alone, and each vaccine delivered is another step forward in helping us get out of this pandemic as we fight it together, side by side.”

Latest modelling analysis from Public Health England (PHE) and Cambridge University’s MRC Biostatistics Unit suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination programme has so far prevented an estimated 7.2 million infections and 27,000 deaths in England alone.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Vaccines are saving lives, protecting the NHS and will ensure we get bums back on seats safely. Every adult in the country can now get their jab.

“Thank you to all these stars for getting the message out. Let’s get them back on stage by finishing the job with the vaccine roll-out.”

ONS polling also shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated and ONS data published on 2 July shows that more than 9 in 10 (96%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Vaccines are available free of charge and from thousands of vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies.

KSB launches Climate Challenge Fund film to celebrate success

Over a decade of inspiring community climate action is being celebrated by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, as it launches a report and film to celebrate the people, the projects, and the impact of the Climate Challenge Fund across Scotland.

In 2008, Keep Scotland Beautiful opened the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) to applicants for the first time and since then over 1,150 diverse projects spanning every single local authority area in Scotland have been awarded CCF grants to take action on climate change locally. Total CCF funding exceeds £111 million.

Since then, Keep Scotland Beautiful has been at the forefront of community climate action, supporting CCF funded groups, and working with communities across Scotland to build capacity to tackle climate change.

Although focusing on projects funded over the last four years, the report also shares learning from 12 years of Keep Scotland Beautiful managing the CCF.

The report is complemented by a newly launched film which celebrates the impact of the CCF – capturing the thoughts and feelings of community members working on grassroots CCF projects and a variety of partners from the wider CCF community.

Stories of success feature prominently in the report and demonstrate how CCF projects have provided valuable support to help communities cut carbon emissions through reducing their reliance on car travel, tackling waste, growing local food and using energy more efficiently in homes and community buildings. 

It also explains how, in addition to the carbon benefits, the CCF has driven community cohesion, knowledge sharing and fostered a Scotland wide peer-led movement where people have introduced their fellow citizens to more sustainable, healthy and often more economical ways of living – building broad public support for ambitious national action on climate change.

The contribution volunteers have made to successful CCF projects cannot be underestimated and the report shares inspiring personal stories of how these local volunteers have helped tackle carbon, strengthen their communities and play an invaluable part in the response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

From 1 July 2021 communities and groups in receipt of a CCF grant will receive support directly from the Scottish Government. 

As we hand over the baton, KSB CEO Barry Fisher said: “We’ve been privileged to have managed and developed the CCF on behalf of the Scottish Government for over a decade.

“We’d like to thank all those who have been integral to the success of this ground-breaking fund – the CCF Grant Panel members over the years, our partners, our employees, and most importantly, the CCF communities and people who make them. Without these passionate, inspiring and committed people working tirelessly across Scotland to reduce their impact on the climate CCF would never have been able to generate the legacy that it has.

“We will continue to facilitate and support communities to take climate action, in particular working to realise our ambition of a climate literate country. And as COP26 comes to Glasgow this year, we look forward with hope and ambition.”

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The Climate Challenge Fund has supported many hundreds of communities across the country to take climate action, providing the tools, guidance and resources to inspire thousands of people to learn more about climate change, help reduce emissions and become more climate resilient.

“I am grateful to Keep Scotland Beautiful for the pivotal role it has played in making the Fund such a success. I have no doubt that KSB will continue to drive positive change and help us all achieve a greener, more sustainable future with COP26 as a catalyst for further action.

“The Scottish Government will continue to empower communities to play a leading role in our just transition to net zero, including through new networks of community climate action hubs and Climate Action Towns. 

“If we all play our part, Scotland can show the rest of the world how it’s done – and ensure our people and communities are at the forefront of the transition.“

View the full report and film on the CCF website at:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf 

Currently funded projects can be found at: 

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccfprojectsmap