As published in Little White Lies, truth and film (UK)
Words: Lieu Pham
Film aficionados will be spoilt for choice when they attend this year’s Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF), the largest regional film festival in the UK. This year’s LIFF marks its twentieth anniversary and is set to incorporate over 350 films across a dozen venues. The festival will showcase a diverse range of new and existing talent from both the UK and across the globe. This year’s program will cater to all palates by including everything from shorts to documentaries and feature films. While there’ll be many great films from established and well known directors, the organisers want to highlight UK directors who are making great films (often with a limited budget). These films may not have the commercial appeal as their Hollywood counterparts but they’re full of verve and passion, and are always very original. Film-goers should pay attention in particular to the films that emerge from the UK Film Week, the segment of the festival which dedicates itself to independent cinema.
This year’s UK Film Week will celebrate the world premier of //Bits N Bites//, a film from the Finnigans, the renown Scottish husband and wife team who have been making low budget black comedies for years. Since establishing their film company in 2000, the Finnigans have consistently delivered a string of hits, their previous films //Black Coffee//, //Four Eyes//, and Two Donuts// have won critical acclaim and audience praise. Their latest project is one definitely not to be missed. //Bits N Bites// is a revenge story which takes a bleak look at the “Happy slapping” craze. It highlights the extent of human cruelty and how unchecked individual actions can lead to devasting, and often violent consequences. Another film to watch out for is Paul Andrew Williams’ //London to Brighton // which deals with the difficult topic of prostitution. Based in London, the story is about a prostitute and a homeless runaway who become an unlikely duo as they try to escape the seedy world of London for Brighton. With scenes containing scenes of child prostition, it can be a uneasy viewing but its a story that will keep you enthralled, moved and horrified in equal measure.
The Leeds Film Festival runs from 02nd-12th November
LIFF: www.leedsfilm.com
