From November 20 until December 7, a full spectrum of independent and international cinema offerings comes to Brighton in the form of the sixth annual Cinecity Film Festival. Beginning with a screening of Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the festival continues with an intimate but impressive line-up over the next 18 days.
This year, a special focus has been put on the visionary work of the Quay brothers. The Inventorium exhibits two installations: Dormitorium, featuring all manner of props and works from the Quay brothers films over the years, and Eurydice – She, So Beloved, a collaboration between the Quays, choreographer Kim Brandstrup, the Royal Ballet’s Zenaida Yanowsky and the opera singer Simon Keenlyside. If that all sounds a little too heavy, the Quay brothers are also presenting an array of Polish film posters from their personal collection. Unlike the American 1950s posters of the time, actors were rarely featured and instead artists were commissioned to make their own often obscure graphic interpretations of the films.
The Adventures of Prince Achmed is a welcome addition to the porgramme. With a Lotte Reiniger box set coming out soon from the BFI, it’s a great chance to see the beautiful silhouetted animation on the big screen, accompanied by a live score from Geoff Smith played on hammered dulcimers.
There is quite a lot to see over the course of the festival, from anticipated future releases to a range of shorts, plus the usual classes and talks. The films are primarily shown at the fine Duke of York’s Picturehouse, with other events across the city.
You can find the full line-up and details here.
The festival closes with a rather fitting UK premiere of Gus Van Sant’s Milk biopic starring Spicoli… Sean Penn.
