Author Archives: admin

Adult Life Skills

Posted on by

Debut films can be hit and miss. Rachel Tunnard’s first film  definitely is the former. She won the Tribeca Film Festival’s prestigious Nora Ephron Award for “Adult Life Skills” which focuses on a confused teen, played with just the right degree of kookiness by the adorable Jodie Whittaker (“Broadchurch”). Grief stricken by the death of her twin brother she has fled to the seclusion of a shed in her mother’s garden. Facing her first birthday without her brother, she questions if she still qualifies as a twin. Its heart-felt emotions are sure to impress.

UK, 2016 (96 minutes)     

Handsome Devil

Posted on by

Two very different Irish high school outsiders learn to be true to themselves in this contemporary coming-of-age story. From the geek pariah to the secret gay jock right down to a rugby match as a tease of outsider self-affirmations–versions of this story are familiar to audiences. But the sweetness, poignancy and breezy humor of this popular Irish film make it pretty darn impossible to resist. Energetic directing by John Butler, charming performances, vibrant widescreen cinematography and an eclectic soundtrack cleverly used elevate this light-hearted but surprisingly nuanced- festival hit above the typical “feel-good” films of this genre.

Ireland, 2016 (94 min.)

Mammal

Posted on by

An engrossing film starring Golden Globe-winning actress Rachel Griffiths (“Six Feet Under”). Her character has lost her son and develops an unorthodox relationship with a homeless youth played by Irish rising star Barry Keoghan. Their tentative trust is threatened by his involvement with a violent gang and the escalation of her ex-husband’s grieving rage. Winner Panavision Spirit Award, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Ireland, 2016 (96 minutes)

Northern Soul

Posted on by

Set in 1974 Lancashire in Northern England, this is a story of two teenagers whose lives are changed by the discovery of black American soul music and the wild nightclub culture surrounding it. Music offers an escape from dreary factory jobs, but the drug/binge drinking lifestyle fueling it waylays them. A great sound track and cool dance moves make us root for these lads with their helmet haircuts to establish themselves as top DJs on the Northern Soul scene. “A British Saturday Night Fever” The Radio Times

UK, 2014 (99 minutes)

The real deal Northern Soul music provided by co-presenter Mod in San Francisco

A Year in Port

Posted on by

Challenging the traditional image of the London port drinking establishment, the pomp and ceremonial type stuff, David Kennard’s documentary delves into the history of the mercantile trade between the two countries and moves to Northern Portugal, to the wonderful, moving scenes of Oporto and the hills surrounding the Douro. The British vintner-merchants who maintain their hold in Porto contrast with local farmers who work the rugged terrain of these vineyards, testifying to the huge disparity between the world of owners/distributors and vineyard workers. You will be riveted even if you don’t drink port. Joint 1st place, Rhode Island Film Festival Appearance by filmmaker

UK, 2016 (86 minutes)

Their Finest

Posted on by
“Their Finest” is sold out but there remains limited series passes that include all 25 films as well as opening night, along with the party and also will allow you to enter in a priority line for best seats. Click here to purchase limited series passes or visit the Vogue Box Office.

Films about how movies get made form a fascinating genre unto themselves. To classics like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The Bad and the Beautiful” add the delightful comedy “Their Finest”—the story of the British film industry during the war, charged with buoying the spirits of people living in fear of the Blitz. A film crew is depicted chasing upbeat stories like the twin sisters who rescue soldiers after the retreat at Dunkirk. Standout performances from Gemma Arterton as a fledgling scriptwriter hired to bring a woman’s perspective to the big screen, and the dryly amusing Bill Nighy as a past-his-prime, but still pompous actor, who latches onto the young scenarist. The set design and clothes are rich in period detail. Accomplished director Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “Italian for Beginners”) brings her special light touch to the proceedings, which are sure to leave you smiling.

Bill Nighy will be interviewed following the screening by ACT artistic director Carey Perloff

UK, 2016 (117 minutes)

Twice Shy

Posted on by

A modern coming-of age-drama, a romance, a road movie – a truly independent film with a big heart, and a bold vision- this may be the “hidden gem” that festivalgoers always hope to find. A young couple set off on a road trip from rural Ireland to London; a large world, a small town and an unplanned pregnancy put the path in question. The future awaits – but what will be waiting there for them? Director Tom Ryan’s thoughtful film is about love, choices and being true to yourself.

Ireland, 2016 (77 minutes)

The Daughter

Posted on by

In this poignant and unsettling contemporary family drama, loosely based on Ibsen’s 19th century play “The Wild Duck,” a wayward son returns from America to attend the wedding of his father to his much younger former housekeeper. The picturesque rural background belies the fact that these are the last days of a dying Australian logging town. Getting reacquainted with a childhood friend, the son accidentally uncovers a secret that could be destructive to family relationships. This is the first full-length feature from famed Aussie theater director Simon Stone, who became intrigued with the cinematic possibilities of Ibsen’s play while directing it onstage. He has a golden touch with actors; Geoffrey Rush as the groom and Sam Neill and Miranda Otto (“Homeland”) as an uneasy married couple are at the top of their game. From the producer of “The Piano” and “Lantana.” Variety calls “The Daughter” “low-key yet achingly intense.”

Australia, 2015 (96 minutes)