#FILMFRIDAY #ESPspotlight REVIEW: 'The Trials of Muhammad Ali' (TRUE STORY)

With the release of the latest documentary based on arguably the greatest athlete of all time out today, I decided to take a look at it's predecessor that, unlike 'I Am Ali', focuses solely on the five-year period when Ali was a convicted expatriate.

We all know that he was a great fighter and an even better showman, we've all seen the knockouts; but Muhammad Ali became a household name with his gloves off, by refusing to be drafted to fight in the Vietnam war. He openly stated that the Vietnamese people were not his enemies, contrary to his warring home nation, and even went so far as taking to the Broadway stage, in an effort to tell his side of the story and fight his battles. He may've floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee, but Ali's singing voice made my ears bleed, the end was the best part of the story – how's that for a rhyme, Mr Entertainer? However the unintentional light note was only a footnote in a part of history filled with sadness and persecution.

Forced to travel the world on speaking engagements, throughout his boxing ban, Ali no longer commanded the same million dollar cheques. The documentary told of his family surviving on the brink of destitution; despite retaining the body of a champion, and the eleven financiers who backed his initial bid for global supremacy. Supporting statements came from everyone of importance; from Minister Louis Farrakhan, to his eldest daughter Hana. With genuine footage included, it was all the more poignant to see the real troubled man struggle, as he tried to hide his fears behind that natural verbal bravado that we all know and love.

He faced downright disrespect from TV talk show hosts like the incestuous Jerry Lewis, and called our own checkerboard Romeo David Frost 'The Devil'. Students verbally abused him, and the Sports world shunned him; but one day, 5 years into his sentence, a technicality meant that the eight Supreme Court Justices' hearing his case were left with no alternative but to throw the entire thing out. When it became apparent that the terminology used by the US legal team portrayed the accused Ali in two opposite states of mind, only a matter of days apart. 

Finally vindicated, and once again a free man, the film went on to show how Muhammad Ali silenced his biggest opponent ever – the American (In)Justice System.

'The Trials of Muhammad Ali' is available to rent now on DVD.

Until the next...Enjoy!
ES ;)

#FILMFRIDAY: CloseUP - BETCHA DIDN'T KNOW THAT...Whether Movies, TV, or Soundtracks, Mariah's Got Game!

Most people are unaware, that Mariah Carey’s film and TV credits go far further than Glitter and Precious. Did you know? I thought not! Well for this #FilmFriday Special, we're going to take a look at just a few of them...

Mariah actually has a host of roles on her CV that are never mentioned, because there is little bad to be said about them, especially where Mariah’s involvement is concerned.

In Tennessee (2008), she plays Krystal, a battered wife, desperate to escape her cop husband Frank (Lance Reddick), who knows that her talent could take her away from him, which it eventually does. When she runs, she meets a pair of brothers, Carter and Ellis (Ethan Peck and Adam Rothenberg) in search of their childhood home and father. One terminally ill without the key to life that only their estranged parent holds; the journey isn't as easy it sounds. Frank calls in the help of his cop friends, who keep him apprised of Krystal’s every move. Actually, Krystal’s journey steers what is essentially a too dark and too long road trip movie back in to the right lane. Not one that you can watch twice (ok maybe that’s just me), it’s great to watch Krystal’s plight land her on a stage, performing with her idol, Willie Nelson.

In WiseGirls (2002), she plays Raychel; a tough-talking, sassy waitress that unwittingly becomes involved in a mob sting, thanks to her friendship with undercover agents Meg (Mira Sorvino), and Kate (Melora Waters). She is funny, relatable, and surprisingly identifiable in the everyday, unglamorous role, stripped of her usual finery.

I suggest you check it out!

Then there is that other forgotten gem – Mariah’s turn as Candy Cushnip on Ally McBeal. A loopy little Single Sally; she is called as a key witness by John Cage (Peter MacNichol), in his case against a matchmaker who claimed that she could match anyone up. Crazy quirks and uncontrollable OCD landed her firmly in the undatable client pool. As some might know, when it comes to Mariah’s real life public appearances, she does actually take her own lighting specialist (hey, a Diva is, as a Diva does...); well in this role (which is where I believe she got the idea), another everyday character (a librarian, or some such regular person), hired a lighting specialist to follow her around everywhere, in particular, on her dates!

Shown in roughly 2002, the stint was a great turn on the small screen, after Glitter the previous year (and some obvious acting lessons).

As far as Soundtracks go, did you know that her Prince of Egypt duet with Whitney Houston brought the Song's writers home an Oscar? She's also done other Soundtrack work too; most recently, 'Almost Home', the theme song for last year's blockbuster Oz: The Great and Powerful:

And that, my friends, is what you call one seriously multi-talented Diva!

Until the next...
ES ;)

#FilmFriday: BoxOffice - BAD NEIGHBOURS (2014)

Bad Neighbours is the try-hard 'comedy' that should be a surefire hit, but is really just an editorial on how Australian the usually lovable Rose Byrne isn't, and how far past his High School Musical days Zac Efron really is…no really, he just wants to prove it to you, if only you’ll let him!

Newlyweds, new parents, and newly grown up; Mac and Kelly Radner (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) have just sunk their last pennies into the new dream house they bought to raise their baby daughter in. Before they have the opportunity to unpack their place settings however, the neighbours from HELL move in, in the very-ripped shape of Zac Efron – who uses any and every excuse possible to be topless (mostly for no apparent reason); best bud / wingman Pete (Dave Franco), and the rest of their college fraternity brothers.

Riddled with trust issues and slightly nuts (from baby oil poisoning, I'm sure); Frat President Teddy, and his smarter 2nd in command Pete devise a plan to embrace 'The Old Guys Next Door', in an attempt to get them onside, and stop them complaining about their many, intended disturbances. Worried about getting old before their time, and always missing the party, Mac and Kelly jump at the chance to prove their youth still exists. Getting along extraordinarily well proved a shock to all – between Mac and Teddy especially, who shared a disturbing affinity – one was afraid he would become the other; the other afraid he had lost all semblance of the other, that had existed inside of him until only a short time ago.

The new bromance bond was short-lived however – broken as quickly as it had been forged, when the next night's party was even more raucous than the first (and the old guys from next door didn’t warrant an invite). Making what he thought was an anonymous call, Mac reports the disturbance keeping his baby girl awake, to the Police, reneging on the one promise he made the mentally disturbed collegiate, with nothing but his looks going for him.

And so begins the Frat boys' reign of terror that starts at ridiculous, and only goes downhill from there (a homemade dildo emporium to raise funds for their flooded basement? I mean, really?! The only thing worse than that entire idea, was Kelly's supposedly guilty expression, when an insecure Mac asks what kind of self-respecting female would buy one – truly painful). One pathetic fight between the young besties, an even worse 'dance battle' between Teddy and Mac (the latter of whom actually wins), and a gratuitous 3-way kiss between Kelly, Pete, and Teddy's girlfriend Brooke later; it becomes clear that not even the innately funny Lisa Kudrow as the good headline-grabbing College Dean, can save this film. Not even when she tries to diffuse attention from the used condom one of the frat boys dumped on the Radner's lawn, which ends up in their baby daughter's mouth. Actually, that part's just plain sick.

The war escalates to the point of danger, when the boys steal the airbags from the family's car, and fix them to places Mac would never suspect, despite Pete's repeated warnings that Teddy is going too far. Outsmarted by 'The Old Guys' at the final hurdle, Teddy decides to throw the end of school party to end all end of school parties, and seal their fate in the history books forever (Fraternity, not World). Successfully setting the boys up to break the rules of their probation 3 weeks before they graduate, the Radner's only have one move left to swing the win on home.

In typical fashion, Mac and Teddy square off, leaving Kelly free to break into Teddy's bedroom, and unleash the kids' 'special weapon' for lighting up the neighbourhood. The earlier-mentioned showdown was so pitiful, that I was embarrassed for them; so much so, that I genuinely wanted to cry – and that was before Seth Rogen began trying to use the leftover homemade dildos as nunchucks. Yes, I’m really serious.

Bad Neighbours is a horrific tale of stupidity at its most desperate, which is understandable for Zac Efron, but Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne are so much better than roles that are one-step above porn when you're desperate for cash. In fact...nope, this was far worse than starring in porn and gifting it your Grandparents for Xmas. It's a waste of time for all concerned, that had all the ingredients for a great comedy, but somehow, the cake just BOMBED. Over, and over, and over again; when what someone merciful should've done, was burned every original negative in the canister.

Let us never speak of this again. Ever. Starting in 2 minutes and 27 seconds…

I'M SORRY to have done something so cruel to you.

Please forgive me.
ES ;)

#FilmFriday; Behind The Scenes - Real Talk TV Show, Hosted by Charley Jai, 24TH MAY

#FilmFriday is not just about the big screen, Box Office smashers, but also about local, homegrown talent doing worthwhile, brilliant projects that they should be supported for. That's what I intend to do with my mate Charley-Jai's excellent new web series that launches tomorrow - 24th May, via the new channel. Aware that many others like myself, had some questions for her, she finally agreed to answer everything we wanted to know at once, so to find out along with me, lets go Behind The Scenes...

As most of you will know by now, I have been working on a new project for YouTube. THE REAL TALK TV SERIES is one which aims to positively inspire, encourage, inform and motivate upcoming talent, semi-established artists / performers as well as serve as an opportunity for such creative persons, businesses and the alike to raise their profile. Hopefully a number of ‘big-wigs’ in the entertainment/media field will take an interest in the talent featured ;)

Where did the idea for the show come from?

For many years I have been doing various work which sees me provide opportunities for others – Journalism, Youth Work, Blogging, Radio, Motivational Speaking etc and after being asked to present for several on-screen projects, of which the aims were to inspire others, I felt that there is a need for that to be a regular thing but one which isn’t filtered; where there is a real and honest look at all aspects of various industries, people, jobs etc including that of an aspiring TV Presenter who is learning on the job.

Why be the face of The Real Talk TV Series?

I spent just under 2 years auditioning aspiring TV Presenters (only females showed an interest) who would volunteer in the role and although they were each beautiful in their own way, fun and quirky, the second the camera was on them they turned into Newsreaders! Although not (yet) an amazing TV Presenter myself, I have a personality, a no-fear approach to such work and am not afraid of looking silly so, as was decided and agreed by the team, it made sense for me to present the show. For now… 

How is the show being funded?

There is no funding as such. We, the team, cover costs such as travel expenses, tapes for filming, refreshments for the screenings etc.

Will each episode focus on something specific?

Yes – this is the aim although we are still working on how best to do this as we know it is important to have the show be entertaining whilst being informative.

How did you get people to be on the show?

I contacted people I know, with whom I have a friendship or have worked with in the past. Also, having hosted live events, my own radio show and through journalism etc, I’ve met so many people who are extremely talented!! I reached out to them, pitched the idea of the show and (to date) each person I’ve approached has agreed to be involved.

What is the length of each episode?

Ideally, I would have liked each to be no longer than 4 minutes however; that is so unrealistic based on what we are trying to achieve so, 10 minutes is the aim.

When will the show launch and how often will there be a new episode?

Hopefully 24th May 2014 and weekly thereafter.

Why YouTube?

Why not? Currently it is the biggest platform on which to launch anything and everything!! Also, despite the many connections I have in the arts industry, I am without the power to simply have my work debuted on TV.

How did you get sponsorship from Happy Chap Clothing?

I met the founder (Raymond Mfon) a couple years ago after randomly coming across ‘Happy Chap Clothing’ on Facebook. I contacted him and asked if he would like his label to take part in a fashion show to be included in a Listening Party showcase event by NLPR Ltd. He agreed, we remained in contact and I later approached him about The Real Talk TV Series. He really liked the concept and so decided he’d love to be on board.

Where did the idea for the animation come from?

Like almost everyone in the world, or so it seems, I’ve always wanted an animated version of myself however not the standard (sims or cartoon) type that others have. I wanted something pixilated; quite 80s or 90s looking. I had the exact idea of its look and of the opening sequence to the show in my head but, I didn't know how to articulate that using the correct jargon or who to approach. In my frustration I shared my thoughts with Natalie (Production Assistant) and Emma (Videographer/Photographer/Editor) and they mentioned Chieze from Shining Concept whom they later introduced me to. I spoke with him and, like Raymond; he loved the whole concept of the show and agreed to come on board. 

Obviously, nothing starts out being 100% spot on but, what is hoped for The Real Talk TV Series long term?

That it is recognised and supported by a TV Network with an interest in showing it on their channel. Evidently the first series is very rough around the edges! With series 2 we are implementing all that we learned from filming the first time round. We hope by series 3 (if not 2) to have the show be super on point and for it to have a committed audience. Obviously the hits will be the deciding factor as to its future. That said I’ll always be happy that I chose to launch the project and will remain proud of myself and the team for our incredibly hard work!! 

2 screenings will be held prior to its launch. Since when do people hold a pre-launch screening for a YouTube show?

We may indeed be the first (ha-ha) however, it was of huge importance to me to have constructive feedback from professional industry persons, as well as those I trust, to be completely honest about how we can better the project. I don’t believe we will get such criticism from the general public. These days it seems more and more people are all about slating just for the sake of it rather than supporting genuine movements.

How are people able to put themselves forward to be involved?

Whether their interest is to feature or to join the team, they need only send their full name, BIO (or details of their past and current work) with reasons as to why they want to be a part of the show, together with a clear photo to realtalkuk_creative@outlook.com addressed to RTTVS.

The Real Talk TV Series does not aim to be a carbon copy of anything already out there or something polished. Its purpose is to give to others an online hub of all things positive, productive and beneficial in the hope that it will somehow be a source of inspiration, help and encouragement! There will never be a goal too big to reach. Let your self belief be your motivation!! x

TEAM

Charley Jai - Twitter / Instagram

Chieze Ihecherenoma – Instagram

Natalie L Royer - Twitter / Instagram / Website

Emma Obichukwu - Twitter / Twitter 2 / Instagram

Raymond Mfon - Twitter / Instagram / Website

YouTube – to launch May 2014

Pictures taken by Emma Obichukwu and Edited by Charley Jai

Logo's supplied by each company, Edited by Charley Jai

___________________________

Congrats Ms. Jai, on your new undertaking, and your courageous approach. I'll be watching - will you?

Until the next...

ES ;)

#FilmFriday #ESPspotlight Review: POMPEII

It's quite the heavy start for the first #FilmFriday review. Although it's a premise many of us have seen before, no-one can deny that the latest historical depiction - Director and Producer Wes Anderson's Pompeii is EPIC, in every sense of the word.

The tale follows the life of young Milo, who witnesses the slaughter of his celtic family, and destruction of his village by the army of Roman tyrant Corvus, played by a strangely evil Keifer Sutherland (strange in the same way that Joey's 'Southern' accent was actually Jamaican, strange).

Photo courtesy of Official Site

Kidnapped and traded into slavery, Milo (a heart-stopping Kit Harington) grows up a revered Gladiator. Known simply as 'The Celt', his reputation precedes him. Seventeen years on from the initial brutal massacre, and now owned by the family of Pompeii's ruler Severus; a chance meeting with his beautiful daughter Cassia (Emily Browning) - who is fleeing home from a troubled year in Rome, sparks an instant connection, when Milo helps her on her journey, to his own detriment.

Thrown into a cell with undefeated Gladiator Atticus (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), both soon learn their fate is to fight one another to the death, for the title of Champion of Pompeii, and the entertainment of all in the city's Amphitheatre. Atticus has been promised his freedom under the law - provided he win one last battle.

Enemies soon become friends, as Milo realises that the plan is to kill he, and Atticus both, through a reenactment of what is considered to be Corvus' finest hour - the massacre of Milo's village as a child. The Gladiators survive the sneak attack, and Corvus' motives are uncovered, as he attempts to blackmail Severus for Cassia's hand. We also learn that Corvus' spurned advances are the real reason for Cassia's hasty flight from the corrupt city.

In the jail cells underground, slave wrangler Graecus (Joe Pingue) warns Severus that the Amphitheatre will not withstand the coming eruption from Mount Vesuvius, but Severus ignores him, unaware that Senator Corvus plans to double-cross him further, with Rome's new Emperor Titus, and so Severus goes ahead with the spectacle. Above ground, a vengeful Corvus uses the first earthquake to claim that the Gods have decreed that Milo - whom he does not recognise from childhood, but senses his chemistry with Cassia - should battle his chief officer Proculus (a VERY handsome Sasha Roiz) in one-on-one combat. Though the two begin, the mountain erupts, sending both crashing to the jail cells below, razing half of the Amphitheatre to the ground...

From there on, it really is a battle to the death for everybody concerned; some make it, some don't, some inspire hope eternal, some die in boats, I'm not going to ruin the ending for you, if you haven't read that particular history book - but there are some matters of importance that you, my dear readers, need to know.

1. Kit Harington and Sasha Roiz give something too great for words in this blockbuster - the very least we can do in return, is pledge our undying allegiance to the wardrobe department and specifically, the cutter(s) of their leathers and armour. Hugely talented people there.
2. Try your hardest to overlook Kiefer Sutherland's (non-)British accent - you really do get the feel that Jack Bauer's predecessor is punishing everyone for future crimes against his clearly smarter descendant. Jack always survived my Roman friend - s'all I'm saying.
3. Kit Harington makes you long to be a horse. Not a European one obviously - no-one's trying to end up as a spherical meat slab on a fast food grill, after all.
4. The special effects in this film are stunning. If you can, I would wholly encourage the 3D viewing option (gasp), as it would be money well spent.
5. Ladies - this one is all for us. Forget what anyone else may tell you and listen to me only; Kit, Sasha, even Adewale - who has an EPIC last line, and scene to be honest - they are Manly, they are leather-skirted, they are MEN (insert Tarzan like roaring and chest-banging). And they are not onscreen in those (far too) modest Gladiator skirts for long enough. Enjoy girls, E.N.J.O.Y.

Have you seen Hollywood's latest moneymaker yet? Do you agree with my take on it? What are your thoughts? Share them with myself, and all the other readers, in the Comments Box below - I'd love to hear your feedback! And for those who need reminding exactly who Kit Harington is, this one's for YOU (you're welcome)...

NOW we know who Adele was singing about - Kit Harington Sets Fire To The Rain alright...

Until the next!

ES ;)

#FilmFriday SPECIAL: SUNDANCE LONDON FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL - PART 4, Sunday Schedule

It's the final day of Sundance London, and you most certainly cannot say that you haven't had your fill - if it was possible to overdose on popcorn, then the time would most certainly have been over the last 3 days...If you haven't (greedy guts), then today is your last chance! Mostly repeats, here are the scheduled times, and your final 'new views' of the day...

Drunktown's Finest, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 11:30 Start.

Frank, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 11:45 Start.

The Case Against 8, As detailed, Cineworld 7, 12:00 Start.

The One I Love, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 12:00 Start.

Blue Ruin, As detailed, Cineworld 6, 12:15 Start.

--------------------- PANEL DISCUSSION ------------------------

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Truly Independent Visions

Where better than a bowling alley for truly independent filmmakers to strike up a conversation about cinema outside the box? Bold, innovative, forward-thinking storytelling doesn’t just happen – it takes an active imagination and media technology that supports cinematic innovation. Join intrepid filmmakers who know that you have to throw a lot of gutter balls before you hit a strike. Filmmakers Sydney Freeland (Drunktown’s Finest), Charlie McDowell (The One I Love) and David Zellner (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter) join Sundance Film Festival Senior Programmer David Courier to discuss what it takes to realize a truly independent vision.

Festival Hub at Brooklyn Bowl, 14:00 Start.

______________________________________________

Dinosaur 13, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 14:30 Start.

Fruitvale Station, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 14:45 Start.

They Came Together, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 15:00 Start.

Cineworld 6, 15:15 Start

Winter’s Bone

(Director: Debra Granik, Screenwriters: Debra Granik, Anne Rosellini) — When a teenage girl’s crystal-meth-making father skips bail and goes missing, she and her young siblings and disabled mother face losing their home. In a heroic quest, the girl traverses the county to confront her kin, break their silent collusion, and bring her father home. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Kevin Breznahan. Winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. 

 ----------------------- PANEL DISCUSSION -------------------------
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Hybrid Vigour: When Music, Art and Documentary Collide:

From last year's Stories We Tell to the controversial The Act of Killing, the hybrid documentary is going from strength to convention-busting strength. But British documentary seems to be pushing the boundaries even further in challenging the genres of music, biography and archive film. Why is this and what does it tell us about the role of artists and musicians in documentary filmmaking? Join the creative partnerships behind three recent festival hits for an exploration of what went into stretching the limits of the form, an insight into the unusual collaborations between director and subject, and a look at the questions these films pose about memory, truth and the creative process. Panelists are: Jarvis Cocker and Martin Wallace, composer and director of The Big Melt; Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell, subjects of The Possibilities are Endless; Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, directors of 20,000 Days on Earth; Moderated by Tabitha Jackson, Director, Documentary Film Program, Sundance Institute. Presented in association with BRITDOC and Sheffield DocFest. 

Cineworld 7, 15:30 Start.

__________________________________________

Film Quiz at Brooklyn Bowl, 15:30 Start.

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Kickstarter and Creative Freedom

Join Kickstarter co-founder & CEO Yancey Strickler for a conversation on building community around your work. Learn how to use Kickstarter to make films, share stories, and maintain creative freedom.

This is a FREE event and open to all, subject to venue capacity.

Brooklyn Bowl Sessions, 17:00 Start.

__________________________________________

Finding Fela, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 17:30 Start.

Hits, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 17:45 Start.

Shorts Programme 1, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 17:45 Start.

Cineworld 6, 18:00 Start

Memento

(Director: Christopher Nolan, Screenwriters: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan) — A man with a relentless desire to revenge his wife's brutal murder faces a rare, untreatable form of memory loss that hinders his path. Memento is a complex puzzle in which the outcome is known and the enjoyment comes from piecing together the steps leading up to it. Cast: Harriet Sansom Harris, Mark Boone Junior, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Guy Pearce, Stephen Tobolowsky. Winner of the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.

*******************MUSIC********************

**********************************************

Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra

Brooklyn Bowl, 20:00 Start.

Little Accidents, As detailed, Cineworld 9, 20:15 Start.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, As detailed, Cineworld 6, 20:30 Start.

Shorts Programme 2, As detailed, Cineworld 8, 20:45 Start.

The Voices, As detailed, SKY Superscreen, 20:45 Start.

Obvious Child, As detailed, Cineworld 7, 21:15 Start.

And there you have it! The ENTIRE schedule for the Sundance London Film & Music Festival, right here on The ESintheP Blog. What a massive event! Here comes the point where I would like to hear all about your favourite film experience at Greenwich's O2 this weekend. What did you see? What did you like? What did you hate? Should this become the official annual home of Sundance Part 2? Share your thoughts!

Until the next!
ES;)

All images courtesy of The Sundance Institute.

#FilmFriday Special: SUNDANCE LONDON FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL - PART 1

Now tell me this isn't a big one for ALL of our enjoyment?

Sundance London opens its doors under our greyest of skies for the third time this evening, and I intend to do my best to help you decipher where to go, and when, so that you get the most out of your very reasonably priced tickets that beat anything that Odeon or Vue are showing for an extortionate £14.50 by a long shot. I sense this would be a good place to "waaheyyy". But only a quick celebratory moment, for time's a'wasting...

Now then, in case you don't know what Sundance London is all about, or how it differs from the Sundance in the Country pastures of Utah - here's a quickfix guide to your dilemma:

'The Sundance London film and music festival is a partnership between Robert Redford, Sundance Enterprises, Sundance Institute and The O2. The third Sundance London will take place from 25-27 April at The O2 and will host the international and UK premieres of films fresh from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, U.S.A., as well as live music performances, panels and events.'

"Robert Redford?" I hear you cry...

'Robert Redford is an Academy Award-winning actor, director and producer, a passionate advocate for the arts and a leading environmentalist. He serves as President of the non-profit Sundance Institute, which he founded 30 years ago to foster independence, discovery and new voices in American film and theatre. Mr. Redford also founded the Sundance Channel, Sundance Resort, Sundance Catalog, and Sundance Cinemas and the non-profit Redford Center. Though very different in their activities and independent in their operations, all of Mr. Redford’s Sundance entities share the same core mission he has always held dear: a passionate connection to new artists, new voices and new perspectives.'

Ok. So now you know what it is, and who's responsible for bringing it to Ye Olde London Town, I guess the next thing that you really want to know, is what's on, right? But be careful My Pretties (it must be the film legacy, I've been almost every Wizard of Oz character at some point today...but I digress), not all is as it seems. Though tickets are on a 'first come, first served basis' SOLD OUT actually means 'waitlisted' in American. On this occasion. Only... So queuing up approximately 30 minutes before a screening time on this here schedule won't cost you quite as much courage as you think - you've just gotta have the heart...Here comes Day One:

Cineworld 6, 18:15 Start

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

(Director: David Zellner, Screenwriters: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner) — A lonely Japanese woman becomes convinced that a satchel of money buried in a fictional film is, in fact, real. Abandoning her structured life in Tokyo for the frozen Minnesota wilderness, she embarks on an impulsive quest to search for her lost mythical fortune. Cast: Rinko Kikuchi. Winner of a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Musical Score at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. UK Premiere.

Cineworld 7, 18:45 Start

Axiom

(Director: NYSU, Screenwriters: David Gambero & NYSU) — Axiom is an island in the middle of nowhere, steep cliffs on all sides. On the island there is an underground city dominated by a bell, the bell decides the fate of the city's inhabitants. Cast: Jonathan David Mellor, Santi Senso, Cova de Alfonso, Silvia Vacas, Pablo Menasanch, Julia Llerena. World Premiere.

Includes a live performance and DJ set by South London collective Archive on Friday, 25 April, who will also participate in a post-screening Q&A.

Cineworld 8, 19:00 Start

Under the Electric Sky

(EDC 2013) (Directors: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz) — This 3-D film chronicles the love, community, and life of festivalgoers during Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, the largest music festival in the U.S. Behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive interviews with Insomniac's Pasquale Rotella reveal the magic that makes this three-night, 345,000-person event a global phenomenon. Cutforth and Lipsitz previously directed Katy Perry: Part of Me and produced Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. (Documentary) UK Premiere.

Cineworld 9, 18:30 Start

Drunktown's Finest

(Director and screenwriter: Sydney Freeland) — Three young Native Americans—a rebellious father-to-be, a devout Christian woman, and a promiscuous transsexual—come of age on an Indian reservation. Drunktown’s Finest is Sydney Freeland’s feature film debut and her response to a news story that characterized her hometown of Gallup, New Mexico, as “Drunktown, USA.” Cast: Jeremiah Bitsui, Carmen Moore, Morningstar Angeline, Kiowa Gordon, Shauna Baker, Elizabeth Francis. International Premiere.

SKY Superscreen, 18:30 Start

Frank

(Director: Lenny Abrahamson, Screenwriters: Jon Ronson, Peter Straughan) — Frank is an offbeat comedy about a wannabe musician who finds himself out of his depth when he joins an avant garde rock band led by the enigmatic Frank—a musical genius who hides himself inside a large fake head. Cast: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy. UK Premiere.

Cineworld 6, 21:00

Finding Fela

(Director: Alex Gibney) — Fela Anikulapo Kuti created the musical movement Afrobeat and used it as a political forum to oppose the Nigerian dictatorship and advocate for the rights of oppressed people. This is the story of his life, music, and political importance, from the award-winning director of Taxi to the Dark Side and We Steal Secrets: The Story of Wikileaks. (Documentary) European Premiere.

In conjunction with the film, the festival will host a free performance from Dele Sosimi, one of the original members of Fela Kuti’s band, alongside an Afrobeat orchestra on Sunday, 27 April.

Cineword 7, 20:45

Obvious Child

(Director and screenwriter: Gillian Robespierre) — An honest comedy about what happens when Brooklyn comedian Donna Stern gets dumped, fired, and pregnant, just in time for the worst/best Valentine's Day of her life. Cast: Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffmann, David Cross, Gabe Liedman, Richard Kind. UK Premiere.   

Cineworld 8, 21:30 Start

Memphis

(Director and screenwriter: Tim Sutton) — A strange singer drifts through the mythic city of Memphis, surrounded by beautiful women, legendary musicians, a stone-cold hustler, a righteous preacher, and a wolf pack of kids. Under a canopy of ancient oak trees and burning spirituality, his doomed journey breaks from conformity and reaches out for glory. Writer/director Tim Sutton crafts an impressionistic folktale framed around the enigmatic musician/poet Willis Earl Beal and the city of Memphis. Cast: Willis Earl Beal, Lopaka Thomas, Constance Brantley, Devonte Hull, John Gary Williams, Larry Dodson. International Premiere. 

Cineworld 9, 21:15 Start

Blue Ruin 

(Director and screenwriter: Jeremy Saulnier) — A mysterious outsider’s quiet life turns upside down when he returns to his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance. Proving to be an amateur assassin, he winds up in a brutal fight to protect his estranged family. Cast: Macon Blair, Amy Hargreaves, Sidné Anderson, Devin Ratray, Kevin Kolack.

SKY Superscreen, 21:30 Start

The Trip to Italy

(Director: Michael Winterbottom, Screenwriters: Rob Brydon, Steve Coogan, Michael Winterbottom) — Michael Winterbottom reunites Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon for more delectable food, some sharp-elbowed rivalry, and plenty of laughs. Cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon. European Premiere.

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ARCHIVE LIVE AT SUNDANCE LONDON OPENING NIGHT PARTY. DOORS 20:00

And that my friends, is your night sorted!

Enjoy!

ES ;)

All images courtesy of The Sundance Institute.