The Film Festival announced its Michael Powell Award Jury today, which will be presided over by award winning actor John Hurt (most recently seen in V for Vendetta). Other members of the jury include Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig (Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, as well as the Dogme film Italian for Beginners), Irish writer John Banville (winner of last year's Man Booker Prize), Scottish Director Michael Caton-Jones (Basic Instinct 2, Shooting Dogs, Memphis Belle), and rock legend Chrissie Hynde (who apart from being the lead singer, guitarist and song writer of the Pretenders, has had her songs featured in numerous movies including Lost In Translation). Carrying a substantial cash prize, the award is made for imagination and creativity in British filmmaking.
Brief bursts of rain meant some people grabbed Film Festival brollies, but festival fever continues unabated by the weather, with more movies selling out daily.
Still more than a week to go, so I called it an early night after only two films today.
Better dash - have still got five reviews to write, and gather together more facts to question the political slant of the 'documentary' East of Havana when I meet the people responsible for the film tomorrow. Will they take the bull by the horns and address the political spin before it's released? Watch this space...
