The Rewind season presents a monthly look back at some of the greatest films screened at Cambridge Film Festival in the lead up to the Festival’s 40th anniversary in November. It offers a Pay What You Can Afford pricing structure via the Festival’s website.
From 13th – 19th August, the Rewind season showcases Lynne Ramsay’s YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Judith Roberts and Ekaterina Samsonov. After headlining a Lynne Ramsay retrospective at Cambridge Film Festival #37 in 2017, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE went on to win rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Joaquin Phoenix and Ekaterina Samsonov are the mesmerising leads in this film, which was adapted from the novel by American author Jonathan Ames. Lynne Ramsay’s dark and gripping thriller pulls the viewer into a nightmarish world of missing teenage girl Nina, with brutal and tormented enforcer Joe on a rescue mission. Corrupt power and vengeance unleash a storm of violence that may lead to his awakening.
“You Were Never Really Here is a taut and almost unbearably intense 90-minutes, without an ounce of fat on it. Ramsay doesn't give you a second to breathe. It's grim, it’s dark, it’s delirious fun.” - rogerebert.com
Following a break in July, Cambridge Film Festival’s ‘A film I love…’ returns in August also with a Pay What You Can Afford pricing structure. This new season focuses on the favourite films of directors and filmmakers.
From 27-29 August, local director Stefan Georgiou talks about the lavish, romantic drama, LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN (1948) by the Hollywood legend, Max Ophüls. In early 20th century Vienna, Stefan Brand (Louis Jourdan) is about to leave the city because he faces a duel that he wants no part of. However, before he can do so, he gets an anonymous love letter that changes his life. Though Stefan is moved by what he reads, he doesn't realise that it was written by Lisa Berndle (Joan Fontaine), a young woman he has known but disregarded for most of his life. When he finally figures out who his admirer is, it may be too late to prevent a tragedy.
Filmsite describes LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN as, ‘… the classic romantic film – a lush tearjerker par excellence – of the bittersweet theme of unrequited, lost love… a deeply-moving, timeless film…’
Each film can be viewed via the Festival’s website here. They have been carefully chosen so that film lovers continue to have an opportunity to watch interesting, unique and alternative cinema.
Summer Market Square screenings
In addition to Rewind and A film I love… Cambridge Film Festival is partnering with the Cambridge Bid to host the annual Summer Market Square screenings.
On 13th August, anyone can watch three films free of charge at the Cambridge Market Square, including a black and white classic, SHERLOCK JUNIOR by Buster Keaton (5pm), THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (6pm), and YESTERDAY (8pm). Further information can be found here.
The coming month also sees the final film submissions deadline on 12th August for the main 2021 Festival in November. Through the open submissions process, the Festival supports filmmakers from right across the world as well as locally, providing a platform for new talents to showcase their work. The pandemic has presented many challenges for the film industry, as such the Festival organisers are keen to continue supporting diverse filmmakers, helping them to bring their films to audiences and have their work celebrated. Further information about film submissions, can be viewed here.
CFF at Home is made possible by BFI’s Film Audience Network, with the support of The National Lottery. Cambridge Film Festival’s Principal partners: TTP & Studio 24.
Cambridge Film Festival is presented by Cambridge Film Trust, a registered charity with a mission to foster and promote film culture and education for the benefit of people in Cambridge, the East of England and throughout the UK.
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