BIFF Announces ‘Best Of Fest’ Showcase
The “Best of the Fest” lineup, which will be screened on Thursday [Mar. 22], the final day of the 15 annual Bermuda International Film Festival, has been reserved for the week’s most popular films, some of which were sell-outs, in order to give the public another opportunity to see them.
The programme includes a special presentation of the Oscar-nominated dance documentary, “Pina,” in 3D. The film [pictured here] originally screened on Sunday in 2D to a packed house.
The lineup, which will be shown at Liberty Theatre in Hamilton, is as follows:
10.30am – “We Need To Talk About Kevin”
A suspenseful and gripping psychological thriller that explores the fractious relationship between a mother and her evil son. Tilda Swinton, in a bracing, tour-de-force performance, plays the mother, Eva, as she contends for 15 years with the increasing malevolence of her first-born child, Kevin (Ezra Miller).
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “We Need To Talk About Kevin” explores nature vs. nurture on a whole new level. The film has attracted a slew of award nominations, including a Best Actress Golden Globe and BAFTA nods for Swinton, it took Best film at the London Film Festival, British Film Awards, and European Film Awards. Ramsay also scored a Best Director gong at the British Independent Film Awards.
“We Need To Talk About Kevin” trailer
1pm – “A Separation”
Set in contemporary Iran, “A Separation” is a compelling drama about the dissolution of a marriage. Simin wants to leave Iran with her husband Nader and daughter Termeh, but files for divorce when Nader refuses to leave behind his Alzheimer-suffering father. Simin returns to her parents’ home, while Termeh stays with Nader who hires a young woman to assist his father. He later discovers that the new maid has been lying to him and there is more on the line than just his marriage.
The Iranian film has been met with almost universal acclaim and was the best-reviewed movie of 2011.
Deborah Young of “The Hollywood Reporter” said: “Just when it seemed impossible for Iranian filmmakers to express themselves meaningfully outside the bounds of censorship, ‘A Separation’ comes along to prove the contrary. Apparently simple on a narrative level yet morally, psychologically and socially complex, it succeeds in bringing Iranian society into focus for in a way few other films have done.
“A Separation” won this year’s Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
“A Separation” trailer
3.45pm – Bermuda documentaries “Trusting Rain” (short) and “Poverty in Paradise”
Director Kristen Alexander’s “Trusting Rain” reminds viewers that collecting and conserving rainwater is a way of life in Bermuda. Yet few travelers to this spectacular island are aware of this centuries old method of water conservation.
“Poverty in Paradise: The Price We Pay” explores the causes and consequences of the widening wealth gap in Bermuda; the struggles families face in providing for themselves and their children and the consequential spiral in crime plaguing the community. In 2000, 50 per cent of households headed by black females with children were living at or below the poverty line and increasingly families are finding it impossible to afford basic necessities such as rent, food and electricity.
The documentary gives a voice to the lives of homeless, low-income and working class mothers, addressing assumptions held by many as to why particular people live in poverty. The film aimed to transform the way Bermudians understand their community and influence the necessary policies to put Bermuda on a more positive and prosperous path for all.
“Poverty In Paradise” trailer
9.15pm –“Pina” in 3D
German master Wim Wenders captures the brilliantly inventive dance world of legendary choreographer, the late Pina Bausch. Wenders had conceived with Bausch a dance film like none seen before, one which would put the viewer deep inside Bausch’s playful, thrillingly unpredictable pieces.
After her untimely death in 2009, Wenders continued with the project, turning it into the most exciting tribute he could imagine.
Sensual and visually stunning, “Pina” takes the audience into Bausch’s work in her imaginative sets and powerfully renders the beauty and sheer physicality of the dances and dancers of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble.
This year, “Pina” was Academy Award nominated for Best Documentry Feature, having already been awarded Best Documentary by the European Film Academy.
“Pina” trailer
In addition, the already scheduled closing film, “Hysteria,” will be screened at 7pm. BIFF managed to secure the film prior to its general release in the US and it has proved very popular with only a few seats remaining.
“Hysteria” is a British romantic comedy film directed by Tanya Wexler.
It stars Felicity Jones, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rupert Everett and Hugh Dancy.
The film, set in the Victorian era, is about the invention of the vibrator.
The film’s title refers to the once-common medical diagnosis of female hysteria.
Tickets can be purchased online here or at Liberty Theatre. Tickets can also be ordered by phone for a $2 surcharge on +1 (441) 278-1500. Where seats remain, rush tickets will be available on the door 5 minutes prior to the screening for $10 (cash only).
“Hysteria” trailer
To bring the festival to a close, BTC presents “The BIFF Wrap Party – Celebrating 15 Years of Independent Film” at Muse, 9pm till late. Join us for the winner announcement of the Bermuda Shorts Award decided by the BIFF 2012 Jury.
As BIFF is a qualifying film festival for the Short Film (Live Action) category of the Academy Awards, whichever film wins will automatically be considered for the Short Film Oscar.
The winners of the two Audience Choice Awards, Best Feature and Best Short, will also be announced at the Wrap Party. A live DJ and dancing will follow to see out another festival week in style.
Tickets are priced at $50, which includes two drinks and hors d’oeuvre, and are available here.
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