FILM fans in Walthamstow are in for a treat in September when it hosts an international film festival, an exhibition on the historic EMD building and a new series of screenings at a 'pop-up' cinema.
FILM FEST WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
THE winners of this year's Walthamstow International Film Festival are set to be announced this week.
Due to start next month, the event will be almost double the size of its debut last year and will include more than 145 short film screenings across five venues.
Among those in the running for prizes are Walthamstow filmmakers such as Alex Morris, who has been nominated in the music category for his clip Lost in Longmeads, which features a montage of art deco stained glass windows in the borough.
But, in keeping with the international theme, there are also entrants from the likes of Francisco Marise from Spain, who is shortlisted for his drama short Flatmates 3.0.
The festival kicks off on Saturday September 3 and runs until Sunday September 11 to tie in with the E17 Art Trail, but the judges, who include Withnail and I actor Paul McGann and film critic David Jenkins, are choosing their favourites tomorrow (Tuesday August 23).
A final 'Audience Vote' category will be decided by the public, who can vote at the festival venues or by completing a form published in the Waltham Forest Guardian.
Organiser Liza Flecther said she was thrilled at how the entirely volunteer-run event has already began to get a reputation on the film circuit.
She added: “I am proud to report that this year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than last with films from around the corner and films from around the world.”
The festival's large retro television used for showing films is set to make a return, but there will also be some new quirky viewing platforms such as screenings shown on a giant mock iPhone.
Venues this year are the Vestry House Museum, Beyca Retro Emporium, The Mill community centre, the Forest Recycling Project and Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub.
Categories include animation, drama, documentary, music and experimental.
Visit www.e17films.com for a full programme and more information.
A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE EMD CINEMA
FILM fans can enjoy other events taking place alongside the festival.
Not only does the E17 Art Trail feature its own movie festival, but there will also be a separate “People's History of the EMD/Granada Cinema” exhibition organised by the Save Walthamstow Cinema campaign.
It will explore the historic Grade II listed building's eight decades of history including everything from its legendary doorman 'Uncle' Ernie, who worked their for 50 years, to when the Beatles played live at the venue.
The exhibition will be held at The Mill community centre in Coppermill Lane on September 3 and 4 between 10am-4pm and at Daisy’s Coffee and Gifts shop in Hoe Street on September 10 and 11 between 10am-4pm.
NEW PROGRAMME OF FILMS AT 'POP-UP' CINEMA
And next month also sees the launch of evening film shows at the Screen 17 'pop-up cinema' at the Orford House Social Club in Orford Road, Walthamstow.
After the launch of its children's cinema club in July, organisers are expanding their programme to include occasional screenings for grown-ups. Films in September include This Sporting Life and A Single Man.
Visit www.screen17.co.uk for more information.
HISTORIC HITCHCOCK FILM DISCOVERED IN NEW ZEALAND
THE earliest surviving film by Leytonstone-born director Alfred Hitchcock has been discovered in New Zealand.
Three reels from The White Shadow, made by the master of suspense in 1923, was uncovered earlier this month by the New Zealand Film Archive.
Work is now being carried out to preserve and copy the silent-era movie. The three remaining reels of the film have not been found.
David Sterritt, Chairman of the National Society of Film Critics and author of The Films of Alfred Hitchcock, described the find as “one of the most significant developments in memory for scholars, critics, and admirers of Hitchcock’s extraordinary body of work.”
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