Filmstock
Nov 11 by Jo Pickard
Cultural insight
I have been to many film festivals but Filmstock is truly the best – a hidden gem.
It’s an inspirational international film festival featuring a mixture of shorts, features, and documentaries. It’s a real festival for real movie makers who want to make their mark and make a difference and the audiences who appreciate their art. Egos are left at the door as Filmstock is just a hive full of like-minded people passionately discussing the diverse collection of films on offer.
Opener this year is Sundance 2008 Special Jury Prize winner ‘Choke’. Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk (author of Fight Club), it stars Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston and Kelly Macdonald. New talent is showcased in a number of shorts, most notably ‘My Blue Heaven’ (Singapore), Ripple (UK) and ‘Arcadia’ (UK).
Founders Justin Doherty and Neil Fox make sure to add something special every year. This year their line up includes an anniversary screening of Nicolas Roegs’s unique and haunting Venetian drama ‘Don’t Look Now’ starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Check out the photograph exhibition juxtaposing the 1973 cinematography to how the film locations now look in 2008. Time stood still as Doherty even found the original house featured in the film – including the cameo role owner.
Every year pass holders get to make their mark on the festival and Filmstock’s 9th year is no different. Every person is identified as their finger prints are taken and added to the crime scene themed main room.
To assist this unique chance to swap stories with global filmmakers there’s also a chance to sample 60+ different types of beer from around the world. Trust me – the chilli beer challenge has united many nationalities...
Filmstock runs from the 6th – 16th November at the Hat Factory in Luton.
