What's New?
Check back soon for details of new titles from Network Releasing and Europe's Finest
Pomegranates and Myrrh
A free-spirited Palestinian dancer becomes the wife of a political prisoner in Pomegranates and Myrrh - the debut feature film from award-winning documentary maker Najwa Najjar. The film makes no political argument and is not intended to be an examination of Middle Eastern politics; the extent to which the characters’ everyday lives are affected by political strife and society’s boundaries makes the loudest statement on the plight of ordinary people.
"Najjar’s intimate storytelling and Yasmine Al Massri’s sensitive portrayal of Kamar create a film that addresses honestly the way a woman might face the realities of life in modern-day Palestine while refusing to be defined by them." Sundance.org
Benda Bilili!
Ricky has a dream: to make Staff Benda Bilili the best band in Kinshasa. Roger, a street child, more than ever wants to join these stars of the ghetto, who get around in customized tricycles. Together, they must avoid the pitfalls of the street, stay united and find the force to hope in music. Spanning five years, from the first rehearsals to the group’s triumph at international festivals, Benda Bilili! (which means ‘beyond appearances’) is the story of a dream becoming a reality.
"…artful and utterly compelling... an uplifting, understated and wholly engaging insight into a world entirely unlike our own, ‘Benda Bilili!’ is wonderful." Time Out
The Arrow Collection
We are very excited to be able to add nearly 60 new titles to our Booking Scheme catalogue courtesy or our long standing partners, Arrow Films. Whether you’re looking for the best of world cinema, French classics from Chabrol and Goddard or even some 70’s American sci-fi there is sure to be something that will take your fancy. Take a look at the entire Arrow Catalogue
Eyes Wide Open
Haim Tabakman | Israel/Germany/France |2009 | 91 mins
Best Actor, Jerusalem Film Festival 2009
Aaron, a respectable butcher in Jerusalem’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community, is a loyal husband and dedicated father of four children. The arrival of Ezri, a nomadic young student, will turn his world upside down. Ezri assists Aaron with his business but it is not long before the pair realizes that their relationship is much more than simply master and apprentice. Aaron starts to neglect his family and community life, swept away by his lustful love. His forbidden affair must be kept hidden at all costs but soon guilt, torment and pressure from the community catch up.
"Superb. A film of rare, haunting power”, Daily Mirror
Loose Cannons
Ferzan Ozpetek | Italy | 2010 | 110 mins
Audience Award Nominee, European Film Awards 2010
Tommaso is the youngest child in the large, eccentric Cantone family who own a pasta factory in Puglia. When the Cantones gather for a family dinner to both welcome Tommaso’s return and to discuss the future of the family business, a secret is revealed that throws the whole family into turmoil, and the strong familial ties which bind them together are put to the test with explosive and hilarious results.
“With its themes of family secrets, oddball character parts, bittersweet tone and sunny outlook, this is easily the most Almodovar-esque of all Ozpetek’s films”, Screen International
“A touching and bittersweet comedy drama with a wicked tongue and a heart of gold that proves grandmother always knows best.” Attitude
Download information about more Peccadillo Pictures titles
Gasland
Josh Fox | US | 2010 | 107 mins
Best Documentary Nominee, Oscars 2010
When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Part vérité travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, part showdown.
“...one of the most effective and expressive environmental films of recent years." Variety
“Gasland might just be the best film of the year” The Huffington Post
“...this is why festivals, even the big ones, are capable of surprises, because wonderful things do seep through the cracks” Cinemascope
Download information on other new Dogwoof titles
Undertow
Javier Fuentes-Leon | Peru, Columbia, France, Germany | 2009 | 101 mins | 15
Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival 2010
In a Peruvian fishing village where deep-rooted religious traditions run deep, Miguel (Cristian Mercado) and his beautiful wife Mariela (Tatiana Astengo) are about to welcome their first child. Miguel harbours a scandalous secret; he is also in love with Santiago (Manolo Cardona) – a visiting artist who has been ostracised by the local community because of his sexuality. This haunting, bittersweet tale examines the quest to define contemporary sexual identity when confronted by tradition, courage, honour and truth.
Audience reaction of 77.1% at the BFFS National Conference for Community Cinemas.
“A nuanced and daring debut" Derek Malcolm
Download information on more new Axiom Films on the scheme
Other New Titles
BFFS partners Dogwoof have a huge collection of social issue documentaries, most of which are available through the Booking Scheme. New titles include Restrepo, Mugabe and the White African and Afghan Star. Download more information on the Dogwoof Collection and take a look at their website for more details.
Trinity Filmed Entertainment have a great collection of original and creative films from all over the world. Their titles include the critically acclaimed London River and Samson & Delilah, winner of the Camera D'or at Cannes. Download information on the new Trinity Collection and check their website for their latest titles.
