Third Commonwealth Film Festival

"Cinema from the Commonwealth is becoming more confident and we are reflecting that confidence "

The Third Commonwealth Film Festival will open in Manchester on 30 April 2004 with the UK premiere of 'The Wooden Camera'. This British and South African co-production marks the 10th anniversary of democracy in South Africa and deals with interracial tension and social injustice, and the difficult choices to be made when the innocence of childhood is left behind. This film, directed by Ntshaveni Wa Luruli, won the 'Crystal Bear for Best Feature Film for a Young Generation' at the Berlin International Film Festival 2004.

"Cinema from the Commonwealth is becoming more confident and we are reflecting that confidence this year with a programme that covers a vast array of themes, moods and styles," said Michael Fox, the Festival's Chief Executive Officer.

"In the year in which South Africa celebrates 10 years of democracy, you would expect to find features and documentaries that explore the tapestry of politics and human drama bequeathed by apartheid, but we've also included a wider view of African cinema with Jason Xenopoulos's 'Critical Assignment', the first ever high-budget pan-African action movie, and a special introduction to the fast-growing phenomenon of Nigerian Cinema." 

Mr Fox said the Australian desert drama, 'Japanese Story' by Sue Brooks, is another film to watch out for. He also pointed out another outstanding film, 'Maqbool', which explores the cross-cultural experience of translating Shakespeare's Macbeth to the Mumbai criminal underworld. This Indian production, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, will close the Festival on 9 May. Mr Bhardwaj and lead actor Irfan Khan have been invited as special guests at the Commonwealth Film Festival.

This spring sees the Festival return with twice as many screenings and an extended programme of premieres, gala presentations, master classes, debates, industry events and parties throughout its 10-day celebration. This year's programme also features Womenwealth, a film category which portrays contrasting portraits of women in the Commonwealth. One of the films in this category is Manish Jha's 'A Nation Without Women'. The Festival also celebrates the recent explosion in low-budget Nigerian Cinema -- also known as 'Nollywood'.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 180 21 April 2004