Hitchcon'09 – Celebrating 30 Years of The Hitchiker's Guide To The Galaxy
Get yourself a ticket for the biggest party the unfashionable end of the galaxy has ever seen and join best-selling author Eoin Colfer – creator of criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl – and actor Simon Jones, the original Arthur Dent, in a celebration of 30 years of the late, great Douglas Adams’ classic British comedy. This’ll be your first chance to see, hear and buy the sixth instalment, And Another Thing… by Eoin Colfer.
With other out-of-this-world entertainment throughout the day – including special free screenings of the Hitchhiker’s series in The Clore Ballroom – this is one event no self-respecting lover of classic British comedy will want to miss.
One of the best dystopian sci-fi movies to come out of the 70s, Rollerball focuses on an ultra-violent sport used to keep an overpopulated planet under control and probes its links to politics, the media and big conglomerates. When a star player refuses to obey the owners of his team, the stage is set for a Gladiator-like confrontation between a rebellious individual and the corporate power that seeks to crush him.
Events include:
Photo Call
Start the day at a photocall of the largest number of Hitchhiker’s fans ever.
Session 1: The Douglas Adams Chat Show
A full panel of Hitchhiker’s experts and friends of Douglas Adams discusses the great man and his work.
Booksigning: Mega-signing of the fantastic new edition of the first five Hitchhiker’s novels.
Sessions 2 & 3 (And Another Thing… & Hitchhikers Live On Stage!)
The sixth book in the series, special guests and a live gig – Sessions 2 & 3 of our day-long celebration of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Booksigning: Eoin Colfer
Buy the new sixth book in the series a day before everyone else and get it signed by Eoin Colfer.
Where
The Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
When
Sunday 11 October, 2009
Exhibition Bridget Bardot and the Original Paparazzi.
Coinciding with the 75th Birthday of Brigitte Bardot on 28th September 2009, James Hyman Gallery presents an exhibition of 75 vintage photographs by some of the most famous paparazzi photographers.
Presented at the same time as London Fashion Week (18-22 September) Brigitte Bardot and the Original Paparazzi focuses on one of the greatest fashion icons of the twentieth century.
Brigitte Bardot . In her day she was quite something, as this exhibition of vintage photos shows. She had a very different relationship to the paparazzi than today; no peeping nips here, she oozed coquettish sophistication.
The word paparazzo in fact is derived from a character in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, and in this context it’s redolent of a time when the paps mixed with the likes of Sinatra and Bardot on the Côte d’Azur. Come see some marvellous photos of Brigitte in her prime and also some amazing candid shots from films such as Le Mépris – one of the top ten movies ever – in which cinematic glamour went hand in hand with art-house cool. Runs until 3 October.
Where
James Hyman Gallery, 5 Savile Row, W1
When
10-6pm Monday-Friday, 10-2 Saturdays
The 2009 Raindance Festival line-up announced
Raindance is the UK’s leading independent film festival and each year more and more films achieve success after Raindance screenings. Recent triumphs include IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS (Independent Spirit Award-winner, 2009), TOYLAND (Oscar-winner, Best Short 2009) and ONCE (Oscar-winner, Best Song, 2008).The 2009 Festival line-up can be found here! Short Films will be announced on the 4th of September.
Over the years, the festival has hosted such guests and filmmakers as Christopher Nolan, Shane Meadows, Ken Loach, Marky Ramone, Iggy Pop, Anton Corbijn, Mick Jones, Andrea Arnold, Adam Yauch, Quentin Tarantino, Faye Dunaway and Lou Reed.
But we’re here for the little guys too. Our big-name successes ensure that attention is on the whole programme. Everyone’s looking for the next big indie hit. Our audience of film fans, journalists, acquisition executives, actors, producers and directors know that a screening at the Raindance Film Festival is a sign of quality.
You can see a sneak peak of the full Festival scedule here: Raindance Festival 2009
CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
Opening Private View September 3rd 2009
4 September – 25 September Thu – Sat 1:30 – 6:00pm
Apparatus:
Painting, Video, Audio
Method:
Site specific constellation of paintings.
Wall painting, recycled film and audio overload
Result:
A glimpse into the world of an alter ego’s work in progress.
Process paid
Conclusion:
You’ll be witness to what I have discovered, may you be the jury. But your verdict will be one of self-conviction.
I know what I have witnessed; now it is your turn, prepare yourself for a journey into a world where each new step may give you a better understanding of your own reality.
Discover a circle that forever repeats itself. The end of the beginning, the beginning of the end. Forget the world around you and the people around you
Consider time as officially ended, we work on the other side of time
Your story is history My story is mystery
CEPT presents A Frozen Explosion
The Writers Bench
Open Thursday to Friday 1:30 to 6:00
26 Argyle Square X Argyle Walk
London, Kings Cross WC1H 8AP
United Kingdom
BFI & Empire's Movie Con 2 kicked off today
Today the much anticipated Movie Con 2 kicked off. I’m still reeling from the mind blowing Film goodness of day 1.
The BFI & Empire Magazine have pulled off another collaborative coup for film lovers. The second Movie Convention is heading to all time greatness.
Movie Con is a annual collaborative effort between the BFI & Empire Magazine. It takes place just after after Comic Con (San Diego) at the BFI on the Southbank in London. This means that the organisers can cherry pick the best of Comic Con as well add some good stuff. It’s held for film fans and the core content covers forth coming features in the Super Hero, Horror, Fantasy, Sci Fi, blood and Cult genres.
Empire have a much better run down of today’s schedule over here. But today’s events have roused me from my Blog laziness of late and mention must be made of some of the key events:
Trailers & footage from Astroboy. Over the last 18 months I have been hearing the buzz about the animated Astroboy feature but had no real interest in this remake of a 60s Japanese TV show. After today’s clips I’ll be seeing this gem. It will enthrall kids & older kids alike. It had the audience oohing, aahing & laughing in all the right places.
Harry Brown Presentation. Harry Brown is a new film from British filmmaker Daniel Barber and stars Sir Michael Caine. The film is about an elderly veteran that due to circumstances decides to do something about his neighbourhood that has been over run by young yobs.
Coming across as a modern day version of Michael Winner’s Death Wish with big boots, genuinely threatening yobs, knuckledusters and big guns. The clip we saw made it clear this was a quality production with outstanding performances Sir Michael and the blinding Sean Harris as a very, very scary low life (think Drexel nastier brother, the love child of Travis Bickle & Myra Hindley on crack). I recently saw Tonto Woman the brilliant short that Daniel Barber adapted from an Elmore Leonard story. He received an Oscar nomination for it. I’m looking forward to seeing Harry Brown in full as well as anything else Daniel Barber serves up. Think Peckinpah with a social conscience.
Next up the indomitable genius “Still not a Sir” Terry Gilliam showed us some mind melting clips from The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. Seems to be a true return to form for Mr Gilliam whose tribulations of getting his film made rival anything you have seen on screen. Doctor Parnassus recaptures the magic of Time Bandits and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen with a dash of sensibility from The Fisher King.
* When re-watching the classic Spies Like Us keep an eye out for Terry Gilliam as Dr. Imhaus.
Kick Ass Presentation. Put together by the Stardust team & 
Brad Pitt, independently financed, directed by Matthew Vaughn, written by Jane Goldman (Mrs Johnathan Ross but a super talent in her own right) & Mark Millar. Kick Ass promises to turn the Super Hero genre upside down. Referencing the both comic & film super heroes, eastern sensibilities and the slacker/Clerks space. The Kick Ass clips shown deliver in the holy Triumvirate of modern super hero genre: high action, humour & blood stakes.
I was surprised thaty neither Jane Goldman or Matthew Vaughn did not pitch up but enjoyed Editor Jon Harris’ presentation and chat with Christopher Mintz-Plasse (yes that’s right McLovin) and Jason Flemyng. I’m slightly annoyed I didn’t get a chance to quiz Flemyng about Clash of the Titans & Solomon Kane both of which I am eagerly waiting for.
The super secret screening
I guessed that this year’s secret screening was going to be District 9 – D9. I have been curious about D9 for awhile Weta and Peter Jackson’s name should have made this a dead cert but South African films tend to do emotional small films well and haven’t really shone in the high action or sci fi genre as yet. D9 changes that – whilst being true to it’s African setting it shines at being a high adventure sci fi romp that has it’s roots firmly planted in complex social issues. Google “District 6” & “Africa xenophobia” for sight of the bigger picture.
Originally Jackson and Director Neil Blomkamp were to make HALO: Combat Evolved when that fell through they decided to remake an earlier Blomkamp short film “Alive in Joburg”.
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* Sharlto Copley whio plays D9 lead Wikus Van De Merwe is not a trained a
ctor and was a producer on Alive in Joburg.
Next up was Warner Bros screening of the Jonah Hex 
trailer. I’ve been waiting for this film for about 20 years.
Jonah Hex is a scarred Mad Max by way of Dirty Harry in the West that was on the wrong side during the Civil war. This makes fior an intresting character seeking redemption.
The trailer looked good but it could still go either way the newly added occult plot devices are a bit of a concern. I’m holding off on judgment for now.
Finally and “saving best for last” Robert Downey Junior & Guy Ritchie made an appearance to introduce an extended trailer for Sherlock Holmes. They were in good spirits and played off each other like a comedic duo rather than Star and Director. And well they should be in high spirits the Sherlock Holmes footage was everything it needed to be. My only query would be that it seemed fairly light and didn’t really show any darkness that usually haunts Victorian era pea soap London. Possibly emulating the very successful Iron Man’s formula? I’m holding thumbs.
Film4FrightFest 2009
FILM4 FRIGHTFEST is the UK’s premiere fantasy and horror film festival. Now in its tenth year, each August thousands of genre fans gather together in the heart of London’s West End at the prodigious Empire Cinema for five packed days of premieres, previews, personal appearances, signings and surprises.
The Film4 FrightFest 2009 celebrates ten years of chills, thrills and kills by moving to the Empire Cinema, Leicester Sq, to serve up its distinctive and controversial mix of must-see and yet-to-be discovered genre movies from around the world. From Thurs 27 August to Monday 31 August the UK’s top event for horror fans will unveil thirty five new films in two screens. Empire 1 will house the main event while ‘FrightFest Discovery’ will play in Empire 4.
Internationally, the festival strikes gold with the UK premiere of MILLENIUM: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, based on the best selling novel by Swedish journalist Stieg Larsson. Then there’s Dario Argento’s latest thriller GIALLO, HIERRO, from the producers of PAN’S LABYRINTH, the eagerly awaited slasher tribute THE HILLS RUN RED, Christian Alvart’s powerfully disturbing CASE 39, Ti West’s occult masterpiece THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL and from the producers of WOLF CREEK, an Aussie gripper – COFFIN ROCK. Monsters loom large in this year’s line-up with zombies particularly in good form. There’s DEAD SNOW (Nazi zombies), COLIN (low-budget zombies) THE HORDE (angry zombies) and ZOMBIE WOMEN OF SATAN (burlesque zombies). Monster mayhem and murder take centre-stage with a sinister collection of night-creatures in the riveting horror anthology TRICK R TREAT and an army of big bad bugs in INFESTATION. Then there is the aptly named VAMPIRE GIRL VS. FRANKENSTEIN GIRL and perhaps the most controversial film at this year’s event – THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE.
Fans of AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON will get the chance to meet John Landis, who is attending the festival, alongside the cast, to present a fully restored version of the classic, as well as a never-seen-before documentary feature. Other directors currently confirmed to attend include:, Adam Gierasch (NIGHT OF THE DEMONS), Ti West (THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL) Dave Parker (THE HILLS RUN RED), Lee Demabre (SMASH CUT), Christopher Smith (TRIANGLE), Philip Ridley (HEARTLESS) and Federico Zampaglione (SHADOW). Other special guests include directors Adam Green, & Joe Lynch and actors Jim Sturgess and David Hess.
FrightFest Discovery makes its debut this year in Empire 4, where nine new films will be screening including the world premieres of EVIL THINGS, directed by Dominic Perez and FRAGMENT, directed by Andrew Miles – both films using the device of camera footage to chilling effect. Also showing are Cannes headline grabber COLIN, reputedly made for £45, the critically-acclaimed PONTYPOOL and the grisly remake of Larry Cohen’s cult classic IT’S ALIVE. Also this year there is a horror writing competition (details to be announced), a ‘100 Best Deaths’ event, hosted by DEAD SET actor Andy Nyman, plus the usual special guest appearances, Q & A’s, sneak previews, a short film strand, signings, competition prizes and give-aways – all of which goes to make up the unique experience that fans across the world have come and made their own.
Film4FrightFest 2009
Empire Cinema, Leicester Square
5-6 Leicester Square London
London, England WC2H 7NA
Advance screening of Frozen River
Advance screening of Frozen River
It is with great pleasure that we invite you to an advance
screening of Frozen River.
Frozen River is a 2008 American drama film written and directed by Courtney Hunt. The screenplay focuses on two working class women who smuggle illegal immigrants in the trunk of a car from Canada to the United States in order to make ends meet.
Apollo Cinema, West End
19 Regent St
London, England SW1Y 4LR
5 Gum Sense5 Launch party, London
Earlier this Month we were invited to the 5 Gum “Creating Sense5” launch party held in London. 5 Gum is new flavourful gum from Wrigleys. The general consensus is that 5 Gum really is a taste explosion in a chewing gum kind of way.
The launch was conducted by Vice Magazine who ran a a competition in the lead up to the event. They sent out an open call to creatives to create something that like the gum intrigues and exhilarates the senses. And when I say something, the entries could have been anything one felt would represent the gum. Award winning band Hot Chip would then select the winning talent and curate the gig. From The Vice website:
“Thursday, June 4th certainly turned out to be an unforgettable night at The Arches, London Bridge. Hot Chip’s two live DJ sets – one featuring Kano – were supported by unique performances from The Penny Serenade, Raf Daddy, Planning To Rock and Noze.
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Five winners of the CreatingSense5 competition, whose entries, like the 5 gum, represented and stimulated the senses. Their interactive installations including the “touch wall” and “edible forest” proved to be a huge success – with people finding more than one different use for them!”
Stand out moments for me were discovering Portuguese Sangeres beer (a almost honey tinged malty beer), hearing Planning To Rock for the first time, Hot Chip‘s awesome live set as well as hearing the sublime combination of Hot Chip & Kano together. Pics & videos to follow in the meantime you can see more pics from the event here!
The Black Rat Press: Matthew Small Youngstarrs Exhibition
Black Rat is delighted to announce a solo exhibition by award winning painter Matthew Small. Matts latest body of work Youngstarrs is an exploration on the themes of youth and hope.
Matt Small is an artist whose painting is best understood as an extension of his beliefs and world view. Matt is a passionate believer in social inclusion and that, given the opportunities to be heard and respected, all individuals have something of value to contribute to society. The subject matter of Matts portraits tends to be the marginalized and voiceless in society, those who are socially excluded and often viewed as statistics or pawns in a wider political game as opposed to individuals with the latent potential to contribute and enrich society if only given the opportunity to be heard. By painting portraits of individuals on the outskirts of society. Matt encourages us to spend time with people who we may chose to overlook in our daily lives and in doing so forces us to challenge our prejudices and recognize our shared humanity
Youngstarrs previews on March 26th from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The exhibition continues until April 17th.
The Black Rat Press: Matthew Small Youngstarrs Exhibition
Thursday March 26, 2009 – Friday April 17, 2009 from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
black rat press ltd
83 Rivington Street
London, England EC2A 3AY
Future Cinema Presents : THE WATCHMEN
PARAMOUNT PICTURES UK in partnership with FUTURE CINEMA, bring you a groundbreaking cinematic EXCLUSIVE event – the first chance to see the much-anticipated WATCHMEN ahead of its UK release.
FUTURE CINEMA is famed for taking audiences on a multi-sensory ride and creates ground-breaking cinematic experiences, fusing feature film with music, theatre and live performance.
Under the archways in London’s cavernous SeOne Club FUTURE CINEMA will transport the audience into an alternative New York, where WATCHMEN characters such as Dr Manhattan, The Comedian and Rorschach will come to life.
The FUTURE CINEMA team of performers, installation artists and set designers will capture the true spirit of both the original graphic novel and the new blockbuster film, creating a truly interactive experience. The event also boasts a very exciting surprise performance from one of the UK’s hottest bands.
Future Cinema Presents : THE WATCHMEN
Thursday March 5, 2009 at 7:00pm
SeOne
Weston Street
London, England SE1 3QX
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